The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral (CEC) John J. Manning, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 2 November 1942 to 18 June 1945. Admiral Manning was director, Atlantic Division, Bureau of Docks, with additional duty on the staff of Commander-in-Chief Atlantic and intermittent Temporary Active Duty under Commander Naval Forces Europe. He rendered outstanding service in planning and directing the construction of vital bases and facilities, providing adequate shore establishments for the support of our fleet and its far-flung operations in the European and Mediterranean theaters of war. He further assisted in handling many complex problems incident to our preparations for amphibious operations against the enemy.