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.