The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit, in the Degree of Legionnaire to Lieutenant Colonel Joaquim Victorino Portella Ferretra Alees, Brazilian Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, from 4 September 1954 to 1 February 1956.