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 Michael Usis Moore (NSN: 0-165331), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Amphibious Group TWO during the period August 1971 to May 1972. Rear Admiral Moore displayed outstanding leadership, professionalism, and judgment in coordinating the efforts of participating commanders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) engaged in a major NATO exercise designated as DEEP FURROW 71. As Commander of the Combined Amphibious Force, he welded together an efficient and responsive team in an amazingly short period of time. His direction of his subordinate commanders resulted in the development of several new innovations and significant tactical improvements in operations and communications procedures beneficial to the Amphibious Force and the Navy. Tasked with the complex job of evaluating U.S.S. MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20) as an amphibious task force flagship, Rear Admiral Moore utilized his vast amphibious warfare experience and technical background to fully and expertly evaluate the ship and develop further refinements. By his outstanding leadership, judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Moore upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Michael Usis Moore (NSN: 0-165331), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of the International Staff of the Inter-American Defense Board from 1 August 1967 to 31 May 1969. In this important and unique assignment he has been highly successful in guiding the multi-national efforts of an international staff in developing studies, plans and complex projects for review and approval of the twenty delegations composed of highly experienced Army, Navy and Air Force officers representing their respective governments in the formulation of plans and recommendations for collective defense and security of the Western Hemisphere. Because of his complete comprehension of national sensitivities, his mature thinking and outstanding diplomatic leadership, he developed a cohesiveness within the International Staff which assisted immeasurably in achieving the international objectives of the Inter-American Defense Board, promoting mutual understanding amongst the Americas as well as furthering the national security objectives of the United States of America. The entire service of Rear Admiral Moore in this organization has been outstandingly productive, reflecting great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.