The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander John W. Schmidt, 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. GHERARDI (DD-637), during the Sicilian campaign in July and August 1943. Commander Schmidt skillfully directed shore bombardments and conducted nightly sweeps in the face of strong enemy air opposition to prevent the evacuation of hostile forces by sea. On the night of 3 – 4 August, his ship intercepted an enemy convoy and sank an F-lighter.