The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Harry R. Carson, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. Obtaining permission to make a landing behind enemy lines at Guadalcanal on 30 January 1943, Commander Carson effected the perilous landing and successfully evacuated by boat an isolated Army platoon, under intense fire of both friendly and hostile forces.