The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Ralph Henning Moureau (NSN: 0-60465), 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. STRINGHAM (DD-83), a Destroyer Transport operating in the Solomon Islands Area from 13 July to 21 November 1943. Despite the difficulties imposed by the age of his ship and the navigation of unfamiliar and poorly charted waters while under persistent, severe attack by all weapons of the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Moureau skillfully directed the activities of his vessel in transporting and landing troops and supplies during operations against New Georgia, Vella Lavella, Treasury and Bougainville Islands. In addition, he carried out hazardous escort and reconnaissance missions and participated in the bombardment of hostile installations. By his expert tactical leadership and sound judgment in the face of extremely perilous conditions, Lieutenant Commander Moureau contributed materially to the success of vital campaigns in these areas.