The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Lee A. Ellis, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. As Radio Officer on the staff of Commander Destroyers, Atlantic Fleet, Commander Ellis was largely responsible for the increase in efficiency, battle readiness and effectiveness of destroyers of the Atlantic Fleet in the protection of shipping.