The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Liles W. Creighton, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LUDLOW while it was operating off the north coast of Sicily from 1 to 18 August 1943. Commander Creighton fought his ship skillfully and inflicted severe losses on enemy aircraft during frequent air attacks, bringing the LUDLOW through without serious damage. His vigorous and effective shore bombardments in support of Army forces contributed in large measure to the success of our forces.