The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Mackert (NSN: 0-70030), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as chief staff officer to the atoll commander in the Marshall Islands area from 31 January to 23 June 1944. Lieutenant Commander Mackert assisted in the initial planning and rapid construction of major airfields immediately after our troops landed at Majuro and Eniwetok. He also served as coordinator of our day and night raids against Ponape and Truk and, in two instances, was largely responsible for the rescue of bomber crews brought down at sea.