The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Lawrence D. Roberts, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while Commanding an advanced amphibious training base in North Africa prior to the capture of Sicily in July 1943. Commander Roberts skillfully organized facilities and speedily effected the repair of a dry-dock, making possible the dry-docking and servicing of 27 escort craft and contributing materially to the success of the invasion.