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 Admiral James David Watkins (NSN: 0-521952), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from September 1979 through June 1981. Functioning in close cooperation and in direct support of the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Watkins’ astute and timely recommendations were invaluable in the formulation and implementation of Naval strategy. As an alternate member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he demonstrated a profound grasp of global strategy and an inestimable capability for timely and accurate assessment of U.S. Naval requirements and recommended courses of action in the fulfillment of national policy. Admiral Watkins reflected his continuing concern over the operating environment of the forces afloat through the implementation of substantial habitability and environment control standards, thereby increasing significantly overall effectiveness and morale. His astute sense of diplomacy and comprehensive grasp of the broad aspects of Naval matters earned the admiration and respect of all with whom he was associated. Admiral Watkins’ inspirational leadership, distinguished achievements, and unwavering devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral James David Watkins (NSN: 0-521952), 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 Operations from July 1982 through June 1986. Personally responsible for maintaining a Navy ready to conduct sustained operations and defeat any enemy at sea, Admiral Watkins initiated dynamic, innovating, and wide-ranging programs to enhance personnel and material readiness that resulted in significant improvements in the combat effectiveness and overall readiness of the United States Navy. As a result of his stellar leadership, professional acumen, and flawless personal example, Admiral Watkins inspired a naval renaissance and invigorated the level of professionalism in the Navy at a time of global, sustained, and high-tempo naval operations, including combat operations directly supporting tactical thinking through such initiatives as development of the Naval War College as a center for naval thought. He clearly articulated and then implemented a global Maritime Strategy, and then used the strategy as a focus for U.S. Navy program development, training, and participation in joint and combined operations and exercises. Admiral Watkins’ personal objective of ensuring Navy people were supported and compensated properly resulted in bold morale and welfare initiatives that yielded singular results. By his outstanding loyalty, exceptional leadership, and complete dedication to duty, Admiral Watkins reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.