The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ellery W. Stone (NSN: 0-11405), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States and to the Allied Nations as Chief Commissioner, Allied Commission for Italy and Chief Civil Affairs Officer of Occupied Territory under Allied Military Government in Italy from 1 May 1945 to 1 May 1946. In the duties above enumerated, Rear Admiral Stone had full executive responsibility for the activities of the Allied Commission in connection with all relations with the government of Italy, the interpretation and execution of the surrender terms between the Allied Nations and the Italian government and the supervision of the many involved aspects of civil affairs within those parts of Italy under Allied Military Government. In the execution of his duties he was called upon to coordinate the activities of various nations, to face and solve the most difficult political problems and to represent the Allied Nations before the Italian people. In all of his functions Rear Admiral Stone displayed the highest qualities of intelligence, tact, administrative ability, sound judgment, broad vision, exceptional energy and diplomatic skill. As a result of his wise leadership and his understanding of the varied problems before him, the relations between the Allied Nations and the government of Italy have steadily progressed toward a satisfactory conclusion, and his performance of duty in his position of great responsibility has reflected credit upon himself, his country and the United States Naval Service.