The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Benny C. Modin, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. In landing operations at Guadalcanal, and during the occupation of Rendova Island, as boat commander of the U.S.S. McCAWLEY (AP-10), he was largely responsible for the record-breaking time of these landings against heavy enemy opposition.