The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Robert S. Ford, United States Navy, 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. ROWAN during the Sicilian Campaign in July 1943. Commander Ford inflicted severe damage on enemy aircraft, skillfully directed shore bombardments in support of Army forces and effected important amphibious landings and safe convoy of Allied ships. He brought his vessel through many engagements unscathed.