The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Owen Evans Sowerwine (NSN: 0-72279), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Communications Officer of a Fast Carrier Task Group, in action against enemy Japanese forces, in the Pacific Ocean Area, from 13 April to 9 August 1944. Organizing and maintaining efficient and systematic communications throughout the ship and aircraft of the Group, Commander Sowerwine kept the ships supplied with proper facilities for communications to insure an adequate dissemination of information. Later, despite overcrowding of circuits, multiplicity of operational traffic and frequent enemy jamming, he received all important messages which permitted a rapid appraisal of the tactical situation at all times. Subsequently, while serving as Task Group Navigator and Operations Officer for ships, Commander Sowerwine rendered valuable services by his strategic and tactical planning. His initiative, ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Sowerwine is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)