The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Charles John McWhinnie (NSN: 0-57665), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a destroyer transport operating in the Solomon Islands area during the period from 1 July to 21 November 1943. The ship under the command of Lieutenant Commander McWhinnie took part in the transporting and landing of troops and supplies during operations against New Georgia, Vella Lavella, Treasury and Bougainville Islands, and participated in the bombardment of enemy installations as well as performing escort and reconnaissance duty. Despite the difficulties inherent in the age of the ship, and of navigating unfamiliar and poorly charted waters while under persistent attack by all weapons of the enemy, he successfully accomplished the missions with which he was entrusted. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.