The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant John C. Wilmerding, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Gunnery and Executive Officer of the U.S.S. BUCHANAN (DD-484) during the initial occupation of Guadalcanal in August 1942. Lieutenant Wilmerding directed the gunfire of his ship with devastating effectiveness in support of the Marine landing forces. His leadership and skill during these critical operations contributed substantially to the heavy damage inflicted on Japanese aircraft, surface vessels and shore installations.