The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commodore William H. Hamilton, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commander of a fleet air wing operating from 27 May 1943 to 1 October 1944 in the Atlantic, the Bay of Biscay offensive and the English Channel offensive. His personal leadership, energy and ability were a source of inspiration to the aircrews. His untiring efforts contributed materially to the uninterrupted support of the Allied armies during the assembly of the United Kingdom and subsequent invasion of the European continent.