The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Joseph W. McColl, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the invasion of Sicily in 1943. Valiantly fighting his ship through severe bombing, Captain McColl successfully landed troops and equipment. By his expert counsel and fine tactical skill he contributed materially to the success of our operations.