The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant John T. Salistean, 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 LST-379 during the attack on Sicily in July 1943. Lieutenant Salistean directed the expeditious rescue of 34 troops thrown into the sea from an assault craft being lowered over the side. Later he brought under control flames ignited by a direct hit from an attacking plane.