The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral Lloyd M. Mustin, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Joint Task Force EIGHT from 25 November 1961 to 25 May 1964. During this period, Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Mustin served as Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force EIGHT; as commander of the naval task group of that force; from 27 October 1962 to 25 May 1964 as Commander, Joint Task Force EIGHT. He directed planning for and execution of the most complex and most successful operations in the history of U.S. nuclear testing. His judgment in implementing test objectives resulted in maximum operational effectiveness without the sacrifice of safety for test participants, and enabled the U.S. to secure an unprecedented volume of scientific data that significantly increased its nuclear weapons preparedness and defense capabilities. Vice Admiral Mustin has been instrumental in achieving a readiness-to-test status which will make possible a rapid U.S. reaction to abrogation of the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. His actions have contributed significantly to the nation’s security through the establishment of an atmospheric nuclear test capability which serves as a strong deterrent to the resumption of testing by other nations.