The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Clifford Evans Van Hook (NSN: 0-7168), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commandant of the FIFTEENTH Naval District and Commanding Officer of the Panama Sea Frontier, during the period from 9 April 1942 to 15 January 1944. The outbreak of the present war created many difficult and intricate problems in connection with the expansion of the Naval forces and its activities in defense of the western approaches to the vital waterway of the Panama Canal. By the exercise of rare ability, excellent judgment and great energy he has executed these tasks with the utmost efficiency and brought the standard of naval defense to a high level. His problems, further, have demanded a deep appreciation of the necessity for proper integration of all forces operating in defense of the Canal, including air, sea and ground, and his unusual perception of this and full cooperation have contributed definitely to a strong unified defense. In his relations with the governmental and naval authorities of neighboring American republics, he has commanded their respect and confidence, and played an important part in the continued development of American solidarity and good will. Through the skillful disposition of his forces, and their constant readiness for action and untiring efforts in convoy operation and protection, the losses of naval and merchant vessels in his command have been exceptionally low. The movement and servicing of allied shipping, both naval and merchant, so vital to the successful prosecution of the war in the South and Southwest Pacific Areas, have been carried out with extraordinary dispatch and satisfaction.