The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit, in the Degree of Commander to Major General Newton Estillac Leal, Brazilian Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 5 January 1943 to 15 May 1944, 27 July 1944 to 14 January 1949, and 20 January to 15 September 1949.