(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Robert C. North, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commander, EIGHTH Coast Guard District, and Commander of Maritime Defense Command EIGHT (MARDEFCOM8), New Orleans, Louisiana, and from August 1996 to 2001 as Chief, Acquisition, Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Rear Admiral North culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.