The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral James Cary Jones, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to Commander Southwest Pacific Force and deputy commander of Allied naval forces in the Southwest Pacific Area from February 1942 to November 1943. Admiral Jones rendered invaluable assistance to his force commanders, strengthened Allied relationships and coordinated U.S. naval forces with associated services. His farsighted planning contributed materially to the success of our campaign in this area.