The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Harold Montgomery Martin (NSN: 0-34758), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Escort Carrier Division and Task Unit Commander, during sustained operations against enemy forces on Okinawa, in the Ryukyu Chain, from 4 May to 3 September 1945. A brilliant and forceful leader, Rear Admiral Martin conducted the operations of his command with vigilant and aggressive determination despite the constant threat of hostile air and submarine attack and the unremitting stress of prolonged combat activity which gave rise to military and administrative problems of the most difficult and exacting nature. Directing his fighting planes against powerful defensive positions on Okinawa and against airfields and aircraft in Sakishima, he aided materially in paralyzing the enemy’s organized air strength and provided close support for our ground forces on Okinawa as they drove steadily forward and succeeded in capturing this important outpost of the Japanese Empire. By his astute military judgment and decisive leadership during critical stages of the action, Rear Admiral Martin contributed substantially to the success of the Okinawa Operation and his outstanding resourcefulness, indomitable fighting spirit and professional skill throughout were important factors in the combat effectiveness of the Escort Carrier Task Force and in the successful conclusion of World War II.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Harold Montgomery Martin (NSN: 0-34758), 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. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific during World War II. Conducting operations of his ship with aggressive determination, Rear Admiral Martin carried out both offensive and defensive measures in support of other units in the area with outstanding tactical skill, thereby contributing essentially to the success of our forces in the Pacific Theater. A brilliant leader, Rear Admiral Martin, by forceful administration of his carrier and his indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave hazards, rendered valiant service in decisive operations, and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.