The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Lyal A. Davidson, 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 the Southern Attack Group of the Western Naval Task Force during the occupation of French Morocco, on 7 – 8 November 1942. Rear Admiral Davidson exercised brilliant judgment and superb seamanship in total darkness and conducted the ships under his command in a successful approach tot heir stations for the attack on the port of Safi preparatory to further operations against Casablanca. Early in the following morning, in an efficient ship-to-shore movement, his group effectively silenced three hostile shore batteries, stormed the port and landed troops and equipment without serious damage or loss of life. Their quick capture of Safi, resulting largely from Rear Admiral Davidson’s ingenious foresight and skillful leadership, greatly expedited the unloading of tanks and contributed in a vital measure to the success of the whole operation.