(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Thor C. Sorensen, 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 Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LYON (AP-71), prior to and during the invasion of Southern France, on 15 August 1944.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Thor C. Sorensen, 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. Exposed to numerous air attacks, Captain Sorensen directed landing operations as Commanding Officer of a United States Naval Vessel. He landed troops and material on the beaches with speed and efficiency.