The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral James Laurence Kauffman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commandant of the SEVENTH Naval District and Commander of the Gulf Sea Frontier, during a vitally important period during World War II. Rear Admiral Kauffman displayed the highest qualities of judgment, leadership and initiative which contributed materially in driving enemy submarines from our coastal waters and to the successful operations of the Fleet.