The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant John W. Coolidge, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a Destroyer Transport in the Solomon Islands during World War II. Lieutenant Coolidge transported and landed troops at New Georgia, Vella Lavella, Treasury and Bougainville Islands despite the age of his ship, poorly charted waters and persistent and severe enemy attacks. His expert tactical leadership and sound judgment in escort and reconnaissance duties and in the bombardment of hostile installations contributed materially to the success of vital campaigns.