Legion of Merit Medal - Ann Bernatitus

by Frank Knox

Prepared—June 9, 1943

Pers 328—jls

Signed JUN 17 1943

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

LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE ANN A. BERNATITUS, NURSE CORPS, UNITED STATES NAVY

for service set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a member of Surgical Unit #5 during the bombing of the Philippine Islands by enemy Japanese forces for the period December 1941, through April 1942. Constantly in the front lines of defense in the Manila-Bataan Area, and on two separate occasions forced to evacuate to new positions after Japanese bombs had wrecked the Surgical Unit, Nurse Bernatitus courageously withstood the dangers and rigors of tropical combat, rendering efficient and devoted service during the tense days of the prolonged siege and evacuation."

For the President,
FRANK KNOX
Secretary of the Navy.