The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Gerald L. Huff, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Solomon Islands from 12 December 1942 to 31 March 1943. As tactical officer and Assistant Operations Officer on the Staff of the Commander of a Task Force, Lieutenant Commander Huff maintained effective employment of our aircraft against the enemy, undeterred by frequent Japanese air raids.