The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] David D. Scott, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. SAVANAH (CL-42) during the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. Commander Scott assisted in the planning for gunfire support and in training Army shore fire-control parties. He created an essential understanding between the Army and Navy regarding gunfire support and directed many successful bombardments.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander David D. Scott, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Gunnery Officer and Senior Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer, on the staff of a Naval Task Force Commander, during the invasion of Southern France, in August 1944.