The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Paul Hendren, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PHILADELPHIA during the assault on Sicily in July 1943. Admiral Hendren skillfully maneuvered his ship into striking position and, within close range of enemy shore artillery and under intermittent air attack, directed the bombardment of machine gun nests and artillery emplacements, providing excellent support for the initial landing and rapid advance inland of our troops.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Paul Hendren, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Service Squadron South Pacific, from 23 September 1944 to 1 September 1945.