The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander George L. Menocal, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. Leading a destroyer squadron with extraordinary skill in support of the Army’s advance along the north coast of Sicily in July 1943, Commander Menocal obtained the surrender of the military garrison on the island of Ustica. In addition, he effectively executed various offensive missions and repelled an attack by five enemy E-boats. On several occasions his squadron dispersed enemy air attacks.