The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral (CEC) Lewis B. Combs, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Bureau of Docks throughout a period of naval expansion and vast operations in all theaters of the war. Admiral Combs directed an unprecedented construction program undertaken to provide the public works and utilities for our naval shore establishments in the United States and for the far-flung network of bases overseas. He was instrumental in organizing, training and directing the Naval Construction Battalions, which so effectively supported our ships and aircraft as well as every major amphibious operation of the war. Admiral Combs was responsible for improving many services rendered by Bureau of Docks to forces overseas and aided in establishing and maintaining special training programs and CEC-OCS.