The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander (MC) Don S. Knowlton, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. As Executive Officer of the First Medical Battalion during the seizure and occupation of Guadalcanal, he developed a high state of efficiency in medical units, particularly the Division Field Hospital, functioning as the principal evacuation and medical supply center of the division. Under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions he contributed brilliantly to the excellent training of subordinate personnel.