The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Roy Thomas Cowdrey, 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 acting as Assistant Force Maintenance Officer on the staff of Commander Service Squadron, South Pacific Force, Captain Cowdrey planned and directed the salvage of numerous battle-damaged ships, despite adverse conditions.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Roy Thomas Cowdrey, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Force Maintenance Officer on the Staff of Commander Service Force Pacific, from 15 June 1944 to 15 September 1944.