The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commodore Lee Payne Johnson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in charge of training activities of the Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet, during the period prior to the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. Commodore Johnson displayed leadership and initiative in coordinating the Army and Navy units under his command in preparation for the attack.