The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Edwin Boardman Dexter (NSN: 0-62034), 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 Destroyer U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Okinawa Jima from 21 March to 20 May 1945. With his ship assigned to the covering and gunfire support groups, Captain Dexter performed anti-suicide and small boat patrol and maintained a screen for heavy ships during the approach to the objective area and after the initial landing, furnished anti-aircraft fire. An able leader, he directed his ship in shooting down three hostile planes, in destroying two suicide boats and probably an enemy midget submarine and in conducting radar countermeasures. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Dexter is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)