The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Clarence O. Taff, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Solomon Islands area from 15 December 1942 to 27 March 1943. As Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron TWELVE (VP-12), Commander Taff was responsible for the carrying out of more than 230 flight missions, without the loss of a man. His courage and zeal contributed materially to the weakening of enemy resistance in this area.