The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral George Francis Beardsley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Material from July 1960 to June 1963. Exercising sound judgment, keen foresight, and outstanding professional competence, Vice Admiral Beardsley has significantly improved the material effectiveness of the U.S. Navy by instituting many improvements in the areas of procurement, production, inspection, and supply management, resulting in inestimable savings to the government. Through his dynamic leadership, he has made important contributions to the national defense posture.