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 (Navy Award) to Brigadier General Robert Marks Bathurst, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commanding General Alaskan Department from 1944 to 1946. General Bathurst, by his diligence and proficiency, far beyond that normally expected, contributed greatly to the success and efficiency of the North Pacific Force. His skill and unswerving devotion to duty were constantly employed toward the solution of the many joint problems which existed in the area. His tact, cooperation, and tireless efforts to coordinate the services left nothing to be desired. Throughout, his outstanding conduct and service to the Navy were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.