The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Joseph Taggart McNarney (ASN: 0-3804/1A), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, from 26 October 1944 to 1 August 1945. During a period of vital offensive operations, General McNarney coordinated the activities of Army, Navy and Allied units thereby enabling our forces to exert their greatest strength against the enemy and administer a series of crushing defeats, despite stubborn resistance, difficult terrain and adverse weather. His thorough understanding of the problems involved in combined operations contributed materially to the ultimate defeat of Axis forces on the European continent. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General McNarney and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.





