The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Frank B. Gager, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the occupation of French Morocco, 8 – 11 November 1942. While attached to a naval vessel during the assault on French Morocco, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Gager was at his station as telephone talker at an ammunition hoist when a shell struck close to his station. Despite fire and confusion, he remained at his telephone and accurately reported the circumstances. Although nearly overcome by smoke, and ordered to a safe compartment, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Gager obtained a fire extinguisher and put out several fires in the vicinity of his station, averting what might have been a major catastrophe.