The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Captain Leighton Wood (NSN: 0-9034), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. While Commanding a warship in action against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, January to March 1943, Captain Wood directed his ship with superb skill in a heavy attack by Japanese torpedo planes. Later, his ship assisted in sinking two of a group of warships encountered in Kula Gulf, and participated in the devastating bombardment of defenses on Kolombangara Island and the occupation of the Russell Island.