The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General William Pendleton Thompson Hill (MCSN: 0-429), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in positions of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the Philadelphia Depot of Supplies from 8 September 1939 to 28 April 1941; as Executive Officer and Officer-in-Charge of supplies in the Quartermaster Department of the United States Marine Corps from July 1943 to January 1944; and as Quartermaster General of the Marine Corps from 1 February 1944 to the present time. As Executive Officer at the Philadelphia Depot of Supplies Major General Hill installed a modern system of manufacturing which had great bearing on the successful supply of the Marine Corps throughout the war. He rendered valuable service while acting as the representative of the Commandant and the Quartermaster General of the Marine Corps in the unique position of Liaison Officer for Construction at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina during the detailed design and construction of that camp. From 17 March 1941 to 8 May 1943 he displayed extraordinary judgment in interpreting the desires of Headquarters Marine Corps stations with the result that Camp Lejeune is the most effective training establishment of the Marine Corps. For the first six months of this duty, Major General Hill was the Commanding Officer of the station and discharged the duties of that office with entire competence with no staff or formal assistance although he was required to carry on most of the usual activities attendant upon such duty, in addition to the preparation of interim accommodations for the organization of the camp. He was entirely and almost solely responsible for the detailed layout of the establishment. Major General Hill by his high professional attainments, skill, technical knowledge, and long experience greatly assisted in the reorganization of the Quartermaster Department during a very crucial period which resulted in an efficient and coordinated supply activity, capable of meeting the requirements of the Marine Corps during war. He took over the duties of Quartermaster General during a time when the logistical problems connected with the supply of the Marine Corps Units serving in the Pacific Theater were most critical. His judgment, resourcefulness, devotion to duty and untiring efforts in all Quartermaster General and Fiscal Director of the United States Marine Corps has been reflected in the successful culmination of multitudinous problems incident of the cessation of hostilities and the reduction of the Marine Corps to its present post war strength. Major General Hill’s exemplary service was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.