The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Albert M. Van Eaton, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. Commanding a warship during the occupation of Attu, Territory of Alaska, Commander Van Eaton contributed in large measure to the successful landing because of the excellent training he had given officer personnel and landing-craft crews. He displayed expert seamanship in handling his ship under the most trying and hazardous conditions.