The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commodore Charlton Eugene Battle, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Commander Service Force, United States Atlantic Fleet, from May 1942 until October 1944. Faced with the problem of supporting and supplying the extensive operations of United States Naval and Military Forces in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Commodore Battle exercised profound judgment and tireless energy in assisting in the formulation and execution of the effective plans necessary for maintaining adequate logistic support. Frequently confronted with difficulties involving limited facilities, equipment, and ships, further complicated by highly technical problems incident to the fluid, wide-spread Atlantic battle front, Commodore Battle by inspiring leadership- of the Service Force Staff and organization, was instrumental in bringing about the successful culmination of many operations in the Battle of the Atlantic and in the liberation of Europe. Commodore Battle’s initiative, foresight, energy and ability have contributed very greatly to the successful prosecution of the war on shore and at sea. The outstanding services which Commodore Battle has rendered has reflected great credit upon the United States Naval Service.