The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit, in the Degree of Officer (Navy Award) to Captain William A. D. Forman, Australian Imperial Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while attached to Commander, THIRD Amphibious Force, in the South Pacific Area during World War II. Thoroughly familiar with the localities, hydrographic conditions and social customs of the regions, Captain Forman assisted in the sound planning and execution of operations. Undeterred by the great personal risk involved, he voluntarily participated in a PT-boat raid on Rabaul Harbor and a hazardous reconnaissance of Emirau Island.