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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]Division:
U.S.S. John D. Ford (DD-228)Action Date:
January 24 & February 27, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] William Paden Mack (NSN: 0-78633/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. JOHN D. FORD (DD-228), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Makassar Straits, January 24, 1942; and during the Battle of the Java Sea, 27 February 1942. Expertly directing his ship’s gunfire without the use of illumination during a night attack against Japanese invasion forces off Balikpapan and while his vessel was maneuvering at high speed, Commander Mack was directly responsible for the infliction of an undetermined amount of damage on four hostile vessels. Constantly vigilant and courageous in a subsequent action in the Java Sea when a torpedo attack was launched against the Allied formation by Japanese destroyers, he quickly detected a torpedo approaching the JOHN D. FORD from astern and assisted the Commanding Officer in conning the ship from the path of the torpedo, thereby avoiding the damaging or probable destruction of his vessel. His aggressive fighting spirit, professional ability and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Mack and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 324 (March 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander William Paden Mack (NSN: 0-78633/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during seizure and occupation of Attu and Kiska, Territory of Alaska, in May and August 1943. As aide and Flag Lieutenant to the Commander of the assault force, Lieutenant Commander Mack formulated the visual section of the communications for these attacks and was responsible for the fine handling of many ships by visual signals.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral]Action Date:
March 1967 – January 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] William Paden Mack (NSN: 0-78633/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Department of the Navy from March 1967 to January 1969. Responsible as the principal Staff Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, Vice Admiral Mack consistently displayed outstanding leadership and professional competence. His extensive knowledge of legislative affairs, of budgetary procedures, personnel management, public relations, Navy missions and military strategy was consistently the source of guidance for preparing naval witnesses to testify before Congressional committees. Through his superior planning and guidance, Vice Admiral Mack insured that the Navy’s needs and views were effectively presented to the Congress. His initiative and dedication were rewarded with singular success in the Navy’s relations with Congress. On those occasions when the programs and actions of the Department of the Navy met with criticism or questioning from Members of Congress, Vice Admiral Mack always provided information setting forth the position of the Department of the Navy in a straightforward and objective manner. With the unique judgment and understanding which he brought to this difficult and sensitive position, Vice Admiral Mack achieved the trust and respect of all Members and Committees of Congress. In addition, his performance as Chief of Legislative Affairs earned him the confidence and admiration of high ranking officials throughout the Department of Defense. By his distinguished service in a position of substantial responsibility, Vice Admiral Mack reflected great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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.