The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander James W. LaBelle, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States prior to the assault on Sicily in July 1943. Lieutenant Commander LaBelle exhibited superb skill and tireless energy in training and organizing boat flotillas. As flotilla commander during the actual assault, he was successful in effecting landings in the face of terrific fire.