The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Raymond Wellington Alexander (NSN: 0-81096), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 12 August 1964 to 1 September 1967, as Chief of Staff, Special State-Defense Study Group, Office of the Secretary of Defense. During this period, Captain Alexander provided outstanding leadership to both the military membership of all services and the membership provided by the Department of State and other Governmental agencies, as well as furnishing the State Department and Defense Department Study Directors with sound advice, counsel, and guidance on broad politico-military studies. By his thorough knowledge of naval operations and his excellent grasp of United States national policies, both military and political, he contributed substantially to the accuracy, thoroughness, and objectivity of all study-group matters in which he participated. His exceptional ability to appreciate the requirements of all military services, coupled with his unusual perceptiveness and keen appreciation for research and analysis methodology, has enabled him to contribute greatly to the effectiveness of the Special State-Defense Study Group. Captain Alexander’s distinguished accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.