The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Robert H. Wanless, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer of a destroyer escort during World War II. A U-boat was detected by a companion ship during an anti-submarine mission. Lieutenant Commander Wanless maneuvered his vessel into an advantageous striking position and participated in a series of powerful attack which damaged the submarine and forced her to the surface. As the conning tower broke water, he directed another attack which completely destroyed the U-boat.