The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Navy Award) to Captain Gerson de Macedo Soares, Brazilian Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. While serving as Chief of Staff to the Commander Brazilian Naval United Under the FOURTH Fleet, Captain Soares contributed greatly to the increased efficiency of these units and to the successful conduct of the war in the South Atlantic.