The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander William A. Fly, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the amphibious invasion of the Island of Sicily as Commanding Officer of a United States Navy vessel. Commander Fly, by careful preparation, outstanding professional skill, and cool and energetic leadership under fire, effected the landing of embarked troops and equipment in such a manner as to contribute greatly to the success of the assault. He ably fought his ship during enemy bombing attacks, and, upon completion of operations, returned from the combat area without any damage to his ship. The extraordinary ability and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Fly reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Commander Fly is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)