The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Lionel L. Rowe, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of a United States naval vessel during World War II. Displaying skill, tenacity and tireless devotion, Commander Rowe repeatedly assisted in bringing his ship safely through numerous supply and reinforcement voyages after participating in the initial occupation of Guadalcanal-Tulagi. He also assisted in repulsing enemy aircraft which attacked on three occasions.