The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Commander George Hammond Tilghman (NSN: 0-108299), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of an aviation unit on Buota Island in the Gilbert Islands during World War II. Commander Tilghman worked tirelessly to expand the base to meet the requirements of our air force, which was more than twice the size contemplated. The vital assignment was interrupted by his death.