The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Emerson E. Fawkes, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. While serving s Aircraft Material Officer for Commander Aircraft, South Pacific Force, Lieutenant Commander Fawkes capably supervised the procurement and distribution of aviation material, and the repair of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft under extremely adverse conditions.