The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Francis W. Pruitt, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 30 June 1953 to 31 August 1959. [This award supersedes the previous award of the Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to General Pruitt for meritorious service from 28 January 1953 to 30 September 1957, as announced in General Orders Number 42, Headquarters Walter Reed Army Medical Center, dated 18 September 1957.]