The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral William Paden Mack (NSN: 0-78633/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, United States SEVENTH Fleet, from June 1971 to May 1972. During this period, Vice Admiral Mack skillfully executed his many responsibilities which ranged from the carrying out of combat operations in Southeast Asia to the development of future concepts to be employed by the SEVENTH Fleet in the post-Vietnam era. He was instrumental in achieving a balanced military posture in the Western Pacific and in fostering an exceptional rapport between the U.S. Navy and its free-world allies. Under Vice Admiral Mack’s perceptive and dynamic leadership, SEVENTH Fleet task forces inflicted heavy losses upon the enemy. In April 1972, he employed substantially increased naval air and surface power to combat a major North Vietnamese offensive. Elsewhere in the Western Pacific area, his forces were maintained in the highest state of readiness to deter attacks against areas whose security is essential to United States objectives. Vice Admiral Mack’s superb performance in a vitally important assignment reflected great credit upon himself, the Pacific Command, and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral William Paden Mack (NSN: 0-78633/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) from January 1969 to May 1971. This was a period of unusual pressures and demands in the manpower area. The war in Southeast Asia, the threats of war elsewhere, substantial cuts in the Defense budget, and widespread anti-military feeling compounded the ordinary challenges of this position. Vice Admiral Mack addressed these extraordinary challenges with a broad knowledge of Defense matters, a rare objectivity and analytical skill, and an ability to reduce complex problems to understandable terms. One area of exceptional accomplishment deserves special comment. Vice Admiral Mack was Chairman of a Department of Defense Task Group charged with examining Defense policies and programs pertaining to drug abuse with the view of recommending necessary reforms. The recommendations of this Task Group led to important improvements and increased emphasis of the Department of Defense program of drug control. His is an acknowledged leader among those in our nation who are bringing drug abuse under control. Vice Admiral Mack served all Military Departments without discrimination, equally and exceedingly well. His integrity and instinct for always doing the right thing is a hallmark well known to those privileged to work with him. Vice Admiral Mack’s exceptional leadership abilities, integrity, objectivity, and dedication reflected great credit upon himself and the Department of Defense, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Vice Admiral William Paden Mack (NSN: 0-78633/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from June 1972 through July 1975. Vice Admiral Mack was responsible for preparing graduated morally, mentally and physically to be professional officers in the Naval Service. His vigorous, imaginative leadership and management acumen significantly increased the Naval Academy’s ability to meet professional and academic demands as well as the material and personnel management challenges facing the institution during a period of dynamic change in the national educational and social environment. Vice Admiral Mack ensured that the academic program maintained the highest level of quality possible, and that the curriculum, though demanding, was expanded to provide more flexibility and challenge to each midshipman in terms of his own academic aptitudes and interests. He directed and guided the staff and faculty not only to ensure the highest quality in all programs but to specifically develop leadership abilities and a basic understanding of military relationships. Vice Admiral Mack, through his emphasis on the human being as the highest premium for future Naval leaders, provided the best education possible for the Brigade of Midshipmen. His devotion to duty, coupled with valuable and distinguished service, contributed immeasurably in providing the Navy with superior officers; thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.