The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Joseph A. Gajdostik, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. While in charge of the accessory operation room and troop sick bay on the U.S.S. EDWARD RUTLEDGE, Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Gajdostik directed the removal of every patient when the vessel was torpedoed and sunk off Fedala, French Morocco, on 12 November 1942. Throughout the evacuation and during the transportation of casualties to Casablanca, his extraordinary initiative and devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men and undoubtedly helped keep the loss of life to a minimum.