The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain (CEC) Nelson Richard Anderson (NSN: 0-178528), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 September 1965 to 12 September 1966, as Commander THIRTIETH Naval Construction Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, the units over which Captain Anderson’s command had operational control expanded from three to eight Naval Mobile Construction Battalions. This expansion was accomplished in an orderly, efficient, and highly effective manner largely through his superb leadership, planning, and administrative abilities. When political strife hampered military operations in the I Corps Area of Vietnam, Captain Anderson insured continuous construction support from units under his operational control for the III Marine Amphibious Force operations. In addition, he maintained a harmonious working relationship with all commands in the I Corps Area, resulting in the most efficient cooperation and coordination between commands, and the most efficient utilization of available resources. By his outstanding leadership, judgment and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Anderson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.