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 to Rear Admiral Robert Melville Griffin (NSN: 0-7606), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commandant of the THIRTEENTH Naval District from 23 November 1944 to 31 August 1945. During this vital period his capable administration and sound judgment resulted in the attainment of a high level of operating efficiency. Accomplished through the exercise of outstanding energy and leadership in the best traditions of the Naval Service, his achievement contributed materially to a successful prosecution of the war.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Robert Melville Griffin (NSN: 0-7606), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Fire Support Task Unit engaged in operations for the capture of the southern half of Kwajalein Atoll of the Marshall Islands during the period from 6 January 1944 to 15 February 1944. Rear Admiral Griffin caused his ships to deliver a withering fire, at close range, on enemy shore installations under hazardous navigational conditions day and night and wiped out enemy installations that would otherwise have hindered the success of the operation as a whole. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Griffin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)