The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral John Curtis Barrow, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Politico-Military Policy Division and Special Assistant for Latin American Affairs, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations from May 1975 to July 1977. During this period, Rear Admiral Barrow participated in and directly contributed to the formulation of national defense policy. His exceptional grasp of the complex relationships involved in the shaping of national security policy enabled him, as the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations on politico-military affairs, to exert significant influence on the development of a broad range of Navy and Department of Defense policies. Rear Admiral Barrow’s sound judgment and creative leadership resulted in a sustained level of excellence in Navy contributions to sensitive international negotiations concerning basing arrangements, strategic arms limitations, incidents at sea, Law of the Sea, and nuclear powered warship matters. He further distinguished himself as the Navy member of numerous international boards. His unceasing efforts on behalf of hemispheric defense cooperation, while a member of the Inter-American Defense Board and the Canada-U.S. Permanent Joint Board on Defense, were recognized and commended by several American nations. Rear Admiral Barrow’s distinctive achievements, professional acumen, and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.