The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Patrick Niesson Lynch Bellinger (NSN: 0-6598), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Air Force, United States Atlantic Fleet, during the period March 1943 to February 1946. Vice Admiral Bellinger directed the organization, development and administration of Air Force, Atlantic Fleet with rare skill, unexcelled judgment and unusual efficiency, discharging the multitudinous responsibilities of his command in an exemplary manner. Faced with the tremendous task of training innumerable personnel manning aircraft and aircraft carriers, he formulated and executed the necessary program. The excellence of this program was evidenced by the superior performance of all theaters of war of both ships and men who trained under his command. Vice Admiral Bellinger’s extraordinary ability, his complete devotion to duty and exceptionally meritorious service contributed immeasurably to the successful prosecution of the war and his achievements reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.