The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commodore [then Captain] Charles Franklin Martin, 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. PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38), during the capture of Leyte Gulf and the landings on Leyte, Philippine Islands, from 18 to 29 October 1944, and during the capture of Lingayen Gulf and the landing on Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 6 to 18 January 1945. Skillfully maneuvering his ship at a close-in fire support unit, Commodore Martin directed his men in delivering effective gunfire against the enemy and, despite intense and prolonged enemy serial attack, contributed materially to the success of operations in this area. His leadership and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commodore Martin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)