The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] John Frederick Davidson (NSN: 0-62671), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS-221), in action against the enemy off the coast of North Africa from 20 October 1942 to 14 July 1943. Directing his command with courage and skill, Captain Davidson conducted an important reconnaissance of a strange and poorly charged coast, acted as navigational beacon for orientation of United States amphibious forces involved in the landing operations, and torpedoed, probably sinking, a 5,000-ton enemy blockade runner. Under his capable leadership during subsequent war patrols, the BLACKFISH aided in maintaining a blockade of enemy shipping lanes and, on one occasion, attacked two enemy anti-submarine vessels, sinking one of them and successfully evading severe depth-charge attacks despite minor damage sustained. By his inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Davidson aided materially in the successful landings in North Africa, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Davidson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)