The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Oliver Middleton Read, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a task group operating in the South Atlantic area during World War II. Admiral Read pursued bold and persistent tactics and groups under his command intercepted and engaged the enemy relentlessly, sinking German blockade runners during prolonged and determined patrols. He contributed essentially to the success of our campaign against German raiders.