THESEGRETARY. OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON

The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the LHGION OF MERIT to

CAPTAIN WILLIAM STAMPS HOWARD, JR.
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION :

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of
outstanding services to the Government of the United States as
Commander, Patrol and Escort Group, Task Force FIFTY SEVEN; Com-
mender, Escort Division TWENTY EIGHT; and Commander, Marshall
Gilberts Surface Patrol and Escort Group, during sustained opera-
tions against enemy Japanese forces in the Central Pacific Cam-
paign, from January 1, 1944, to March 9, 1945. Commanding a Task
Group comprised of from forty to sixty vessels including destroyers,
destroyer escorts, mine-sweepers and patrol craft, Captain (then
Commander) Howard effectively fulfilled his assignments consisting
of successful anti-submarine actions, rescue missions in the face
of enemy fire, clearing of mines, transportation of essential per-
sonnel and material, patrols and constant escort missions, Main-
taining a high state of service readiness despite inadequete repair
and upkeep facilities, he contributed materially to the success of
our operations in the area. His leadership and energetic efforts
and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Neval Service."

For the President,

C) UNAAnrrn ee Pol

Secretary of the Navy