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 Mr. Artemus L. Gates, a United States Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Air) from 5 September 1941 to 3 July 1945 and as Undersecretary of the Navy from 3 July 1945 to 31 December 1945. Foreseeing the necessity of a strong air arm for support of fleet operations, Mr. Gates directed the establishment of facilities for the maintenance and training programs necessary to effect the combination of air-sea power which ultimately eliminated the submarine menace in the Atlantic, and which, spearheading the Allied offensive across the Pacific, blasted and destroyed enemy coastal defenses in advance of every amphibious landing and provided decisive support during major naval engagements with the Japanese fleet. As Undersecretary, Mr. Gates handled the general administration of the Navy Department and rendered assistance to the Secretary in formulating plans and policies for the demobilization of wartime naval personnel and civilian employees of the Navy, accomplishing this monumental task well in advance of scheduled plans.