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 William Frederick Halsey, Jr. (NSN: 0-5035), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander South Pacific Force and South Pacific Area from 19 October 1942 to 7 December 1943. During this period, Admiral Halsey’s forces drove the Japanese out of the central Solomons and finally established bases on Bougainville Island. During offensive operations in the Solomons, Admiral Halsey was in command of all naval forces and of certain Army amphibious and air forces. He indoctrinated his Command with his own fighting spirit and determination to destroy the enemy and secured the life line to Australia and the Southwest Pacific.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral William Frederick Halsey, Jr. (NSN: 0-5035), United States Navy, for distinguished service in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of the Marshall Raiding Force, United States Pacific Fleet, and especially for his brilliant and audacious attack against the Marshall and Gilbert Islands on 31 January 1942. By his great skill and determination this drive inflicted heavy damage to enemy ships and planes.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral William Frederick Halsey, Jr. (NSN: 0-5035), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander THIRD Fleet from 28 May to 2 September 1945. During this period he displayed outstanding professional ability, sound judgment and brilliant military daring during the attacks on the Japanese home islands. During this period, forces under his command attacked 260 airfields, put 2,965 enemy aircraft out of action, sank 57 and damaged 100 warships, sank 529 and damaged 969 merchant vessels and small craft. In addition, seven bombardment operations were conducted against the Japanese home islands. Because of these attacks by attendant allied forces, Japan accepted surrender terms on 14 August 1945. Subsequent to this Japanese capitulation he organized and effected the Naval occupation of the Tokyo Plains Area. Through his energetic leadership and devotion to duty he contributed greatly toward the defeat of the Japanese Empire. His conduct throughout was 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 William Frederick Halsey, Jr. (NSN: 0-5035), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. As Commander THIRD Fleet from 15 June 1944 until 25 January 1945, he prepared for and executed the capture of the Western Carolines, and inflicted a crushing defeat on the Japanese Carrier Force in the Battle off Cape Engano on 25 October 1944 and associated attacks on the Japanese Fleet in waters of the Philippines. In a series of boldly executed attacks on enemy air forces, shipping and installations in the Ryukyus, Formosa, the Philippines, South China and Indo China he inflicted great damage to the enemy air force and destroyed shipping which was sorely needed by the enemy. His operations prepared the way for, covered and supported the recovery of the Philippines. His outstanding leadership, perseverance, initiative and fighting spirit assured the success of these operations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.