The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant William D. Steel, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States Commanding a group of assault boats during the invasion of Italy during World War II. Although under heavy gunfire and determined enemy aerial assault, Lieutenant Steel directed six waves of landing craft to assigned beaches and unloaded troops and cargo in 36 hours, despite intense gunfire and enemy aerial attacks.