The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Rupert M. Zimmerli, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Advanced Bases and Training Group, Tunisia, and commander of the joint loading control for all ships in an amphibious task force during World War II. Captain Zimmerli skillfully coordinated Army and Navy plans for loading, sailing and operations.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Rupert M. Zimmerli, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commander of the assault section of a major task force during the invasion of Italy in 1944. Captain Zimmerli skillfully directed the movements of approximately fifty landing craft. Subsequent to the assault his task group maintained the British 46th Division over the beaches for more than two weeks despite hostile artillery fire.