The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Raymond Neil Sharp (NSN: 0-6331), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to a Fast Carrier Task Group and in addition as a member of the Staff of Commander SECOND Carrier Task Force, during the period 27 June to 28 September 1944. His exceptional ability and professional skill were of great importance during the formulation of the Staff of the SECOND Carrier Task Force. He assisted in coordinating and correlating the many details involved in molding that organization into a successful fighting team. By his personal efforts he contributed materially to the heavy damage inflicted on the enemy in the Marianas, Carolines, and the Philippines. His conduct was an inspiration to the officers and men associated with him and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Sharp is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)