The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] Marion N. Little, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as an officer on the staff of Commander, 8th Amphibious Force in 1944. His extraordinary ability, expert professional knowledge and unwavering devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of the invasion of Italy.