The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Robert Messinger Hinckley, Sr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director of the Fleet Maintenance Division Office of the Chief of Naval Operations during the period 26 January 1939 to the present date. Captain Hinckley has exercised brilliant organizing skill and outstanding executive ability in connection with the maintenance and repair of naval vessels in all theaters of war. His clear understanding of the problems this involved, his forceful, aggressive leadership coupled with his tireless and unceasing devotion to his duties throughout in an extremely critical period contributed materially to the progressive success of the war effort.