Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas H. Collins, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander, Pacific Area and ELEVENTH Coast Guard District from 1998 to 2000. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Collins reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense.