The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Elton Watters Grenfell (NSN: 0-60390), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during the period August 1960 to September 1964, as Commander Submarine Force, United States Atlantic Fleet, and advisor for Polaris operations to the Commander in Chief Atlantic. Exercising outstanding professional skill and resourcefulness, Vice Admiral Grenfell was eminently successful in carrying out his responsibilities throughout this period. As a result of his sound judgment and superior planning ability, Atlantic Fleet Submarines conducted operations of inestimable value to the United States in the Atlantic, Arctic, and Indian Oceans and in the Mediterranean Sea. His dynamic and infusive leadership resulted in the development of highly trained crews to man the scientifically sophisticated Polaris submarines which were maintained at an unprecedented degree of readiness, thus making an extremely important contribution to the nuclear deterrent posture of the United States. During a period in which personnel strength of the Submarine Force, United States Atlantic Fleet, expanded threefold, Vice Admiral Grenfell succeeded in maintaining the traditional esprit de corps and professional competence of his command in spite of rapid expansion, change in composition, and diversity in the nature of the operations involved. His inspiring leadership, keen foresight and untiring devotion to duty throughout, reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service.