The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander (MC) David C. Gaede, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As Medical Officer for a Marine Aircraft Wing in the South Pacific, from 22 September 1942 to 15 April 1943, Commander Gaede organized facilities for evacuation of casualties by air, maintained constant training and indoctrination for all flight surgeons and medical personnel, and provided rest homes and recreational leave for combat pilots.