The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Stephen Hadley Evans, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of service to the Government of the United States as an Atlantic Fleet Escort Commander engaged in escort of trans-Atlantic Convoys during the Second World War from June 18 to December 2, 1943. As an Atlantic Fleet Task Group Commander, Captain (then Commander) Evans conducted the escort operations with utmost skill and success despite the hazards of enemy submarine-infested waters and adverse weather, resulting in the transportation of men and supplies to sustain the Allied War Fronts in Europe and thereby contributing materially to the prosecution and winning of the war. His judgment, skill, and performance of duty reflect great credit upon Captain Evans and the United States Naval Service. [Captain Evans is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]