The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Arthur Byron Cook, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Caribbean Sea Frontier and Commandant TENTH Naval District during World War II. Admiral Cook exercised highest qualities of leadership, judgment and initiative throughout a vitally important period and contributed materially to the successful prosecution of the war.