The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain James T. Alexander, Jr. (NSN: 0-123571), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 20 February 1968 to 19 January 1970 as Director, Plans and Programs Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. During this period the Plans and Programs Division experienced a significant growth in function and responsibility brought about by changes in national goals. Throughout two difficult fiscal years, Captain Alexander took the lead in coordinating the substantial force-level reductions incident to Navy actions in response to the Revenue and Control Act and subsequent budgetary reductions. His wide knowledge of ships and their operational patterns, along with his deep concern for the impact these ship reductions would have on the welfare of our Navy men and their families, resulted in the most carefully considered recommendations which were of inestimable value to decision makers at the highest levels of the Navy. The development of these recommendations entailed long and arduous hours of superb staff effort and the ability to respond promptly to extremely short deadlines. In addition to these many responsibilities, Captain Alexander reviewed over sixty programs to determine not only feasibility within time and fiscal resources, but the impact on overall objectives. His outstanding professional competence, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.