The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Chief of Naval Operations from July 1978 through June 1982. Responsible for maintaining a Navy capable of defeating the enemy at sea, Admiral Hayward initiated dynamic programs to provide innovative measures to improve fleet combat readiness and balance which resulted in higher material conditions, quick reaction to contingencies, and plans for future fleet modernization. As a result of his brilliant leadership, professional skill, and able administration of the Navy, Admiral Hayward introduced new concepts for naval operations both in the present and in the future. His initiatives contributed directly to the support of the future. His initiatives contributed directly to the support of the national military strategy and the shaping of the United States military force structure. Admiral Hayward’s personal objective of bringing about a sense of unification of purpose and renewed commitment on the part of all Naval personnel yielded singular results. By his outstanding loyalty, exceptional leadership, and selfless dedication to duty, Admiral Hayward reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.