The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander John R. McKinney, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the assault on Sicily in 1943. Commander McKinney gallantry brought his ship through repeated bombing attacks and effected the landing of troops and equipment. He skillfully completed his assignment and retired from the combat area without suffering loss.