The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Edward Gingrich (NSN: 0-20251), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as COMUNBLOCK&ESCORTFOR engaged in operations against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces from 31 May 1952 to 12 February 1953. It was his responsibility to organize naval units from eleven different nations into one force capable of handling such complex and varied operations as coastal blockade, minesweeping, escort for logistic ships, shore bombardment, island defense and aerial support for United Nations ground forces. With consummate skill and a wise understanding of many problems involved, he coordinated the diverse naval units under his command into a highly effective force which completely denied the enemy the use of his sea lanes, virtually eliminated the threat of enemy mines for gun-fire ships involved in in-shore operations and inflicted wide-spread destruction on enemy supply and transportation facilities. Under Rear Admiral Gingrich’s competent direction, the recently established ROK Navy was developed into an effective and efficient fighting organization. Ships of Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Thailand and Colombia also operated successfully under his direction. In order to be fully informed in his activities he frequently visited the islands occupied by friendly forces, cruised in various vessels of his command and was under heavy enemy fire on numerous occasions. Through his distinguished service, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the United Nations’ cause in Korea. His steadfast devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.