sentences:  He was highly decorated; among his awards were the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat V (for leading a reconnaissance mission in the Solomon Islands in 1942), a Navy Commendation Medal, Italy's Star of Solidarity, and France's Legion of Honor.During World War II, Markey became good friends with Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.After the war, he became a special assistant to United States Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal.