The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Charles Eugene Olsen, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As Commanding Officer of an advance naval base in the South Pacific Area from its inception until February 1943, Captain Olsen set up and operated the base during an extremely hazardous period with outstanding ability.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Charles Eugene Olsen, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. Under extremely hazardous conditions and frequent bombing attacks, Captain Olsen established naval bases in the Solomon Islands Area from February to July 1943. He organized and operated the bases at the Russell Islands and Rendova with outstanding skill and great courage.