The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Thomas Benjamin Fitzpatrick, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a warship during the seizure of Attu, Territory of Alaska, during World War II. Commander Fitzpatrick displayed expert seamanship and marked efficiency under most hazardous conditions. He was responsible for the excellent training of all departments, officer personnel and landing craft crews, and contributed greatly to the success of the operations.