The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral David M. Tyree, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 14 April 1959 to 27 November 1962 as Commander Naval Support Force, Operation DEEP FREEZE. Rear Admiral Tyree, as senior U.S. Representative, had the responsibility of insuring the success and safety of missions in Antarctica, and of fulfilling the objectives of the United States in this hazardous region. He accomplished important logistic and exploratory achievements, integrating into a single unit the outstanding services of members of the scientific community and our armed forces. Under his command, the first penetration of the Bellingshausen Sea was accomplished; nuclear power was introduced to Antarctica; the first adequate communications and air navigation aids were established; extensive photographic mapping of the continent was accomplished; and a pioneer trail was established between McMurdo Sound and the South Pole.