The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ralph Andrew Ofstie (NSN: 0-34703), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chief of Staff to Commander Naval Forces, Far East during operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean area from 6 May 1951 to 12 May 1952. During the greater part of this period, Rear Admiral Ofstie assumed greatly increased responsibilities as the result of the appointment of Commander Naval Forces, Far East as Senior Delegate of the United Nations Commission for the Military Armistice Negotiations, and his subsequent absence from the Headquarters for protracted periods in connection with these negotiations. Rear Admiral Ofstie’s skillful application of his wide professional knowledge of naval operations and administration contributed immeasurably to the efficient operations of Naval Forces, Far East. In addition, he maintained excellent relations with Allied Armed Forces and governmental agencies, and was most successful in demonstrating to the public the tremendous capabilities and accomplishments of United States Naval Forces in the Far East. His marked professional skill, outstanding leadership, and conscientious devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ralph Andrew Ofstie (NSN: 0-34703), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander of a Task Force of Carriers, Support and Screening vessels in operations against enemy forces in the Korean Area from December 1950 through April 1951. Rear Admiral Ofstie aggressively directed sustained operations against enemy forces, displaying fortitude, skill and foresight in his command of Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN. His relentless and untiring efforts were a major contribution to the vital naval air protections given by Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN to U.S. Marines withdrawing from the Hamhung, Korea, area in December 1950. Under his inspiring leadership, successful naval air interdiction of enemy supply centers, railway and highway bridges, transportation junctions and staging points resulted in paralysis of enemy traffic moving toward the front lines from Northeastern Korea. Admiral Ofstie displayed unusual ingenuity in developing new techniques of aerial warfare shaped to the peculiar needs of the Korean campaign. Jet fighters from his flagship ere carrier-launched with bomb loads for the first time in the history of U.S. Naval Aviation, adding a new weapon to the interdiction arsenal of the Task Force; aerial torpedoes were launched against inland water targets; special “tunnel-busting” methods were evolved; peak-ordnance load procedures for the planes were developed; the science of close-air support of United Nations troops, featuring the use of napalm bombs was perfected; night attack teams, night hecklers and intruders, coupled with predawn attack and fighter planes, were employed to continually harass the enemy. Rear Admiral Ofstie’s distinguished service as Commander of Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.