The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Stephen J. Horvat, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, 8 – 11 November 1942. Although suffering from a serious injury to his right hand and harassed by weather conditions and hostile opposition, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Horvat remained at his post as Engineer of a tank lighter of a warship, until ordered to leave his station for medical attention.