The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting Legion of Merit to Commander Norman M. Nelson, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander LST Group TWENTY-ONE and Task Unit Commander of the United States Units during the period from October 1944, to August 1945. Throughout amphibious landing operations in the Philippine Islands and Borneo, he displayed exceptional abilities of leadership and seamanship, and personally directed the successful completion of numerous assault and reinforcement echelons although subjected to the hazards of enemy action. He performed invaluable service in coordinating and supervising repair, maintenance, and logistics work in support of amphibious operations. His professional knowledge, cooperation, energy and sound judgment contributed materially to the success of the operations in which he took part.