The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral William Conrad Abhau (NSN: 0-75072/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from May 1967 to July 1970 as Manager, Antisubmarine Warfare Systems Project, Naval Material Command, Washington, D.C. Exercising a high degree of initiative, foresight, resourcefulness, and professional skill, Rear Admiral Abhau was instrumental in guiding the complex antisubmarine warfare (ASW)( efforts of the Naval Systems Commands into an integrated and coordinated program for aircraft, surface ships, submarines and fixed surveillance systems, including related ASW Command and Control. In particular, his awareness of the operational, technical and political factors that influence new systems acquisition provided a unique and significant contribution to the ASW Program. By his outstanding leadership, sound judgment and untiring devotion to duty, he has inspired the highest confidence and respect among all those who have been associated with him, and has upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.