The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Herbert Bain Knowles, 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 Commanding Officer of a warship during the occupation of Attu, Territory of Alaska, Captain Knowles handled his ship with marked efficiency under the most hazardous and trying conditions. His leadership contributed in large measure to the successful assault.