The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Lawrence Fairfax Reifsnider (NSN: 0-7250), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander and Administrative Commander of Task Force FIFTY-THREE (TF-53), prior to and during the occupation of an important enemy Japanese-held island during July and August 1944. Skillful and tireless in the performance of duty during the period of preparation, training and planning phase of the operation, Rear Admiral Reifsnider effected the loading and mounting of a large and complicated force involving the movement of a Marine Division, a Marine Brigade and corps troops and equipment. By his aggressive and inspiring leadership throughout these hazardous and difficult operations, Rear Admiral Reifsnider contributed essentially to the success of the entire mission which resulted in the capture of the objective. His personal courage and efficient execution of a vital assignment reflect the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Reifsnider, his command and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Lawrence Fairfax Reifsnider (NSN: 0-7250), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Northern Attack Force during the amphibious assault upon Japanese-held Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, and while commanding a Task Group engaged in the capture of Japanese-held Ie Shima, Hyena Shima and Aguni Shima, from 1 April to 11 June 1945. Under intensive enemy gunfire and repeated attacks by hostile aircraft and suicide boats during these operations, Rear Admiral Reifsnider not only directed the landing of the assault troops, equipment and supplies at the objective, but also controlled and directed air strikes and naval gunfire into Japanese positions to cover amphibious landings and the advances of our assault forces. A courageous and aggressive leader despite the exposed and highly vulnerable position of his Flagship, he was responsible for the effective synchronization of his units, which resulted in the destruction of enemy gun emplacements and defense installations, and in the dispersal of hostile troop concentrations. By his professional skill in organizing, training and operating his Task Force and by his unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave danger, Rear Admiral Reifsnider rendered distinguished service which contributed materially to the success of operations in this forward combat area and which reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Commodore Lawrence Fairfax Reifsnider (NSN: 0-7250), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Transport Group, THIRD Amphibious Force, from July to November 1943. Charged with the routing and providing of escorts for vessels carrying supplies and troops to the forward areas through waters menaced by enemy Japanese submarines and aircraft, Commodore Reifsnider solved this tremendous problem of logistics with the highest efficiency and resourcefulness. Delegated the duties of Officer in Tactical Command of the entire transport group in the assault on Bougainville, 1 November, he brought his vessels through dangerous and uncharted shoals into the attack area and skillfully maneuvered them under threat from large formations of enemy aircraft and fighter cover. Displaying outstanding tactical ability and fearless intrepidity, he withdrew the transport group unscathed and returned the following day to complete the unloading of four ships. His brilliant leadership and extreme courage inspired all under his command with the gallant determination to fight through, irrespective of difficulties, and reflected great credit upon the United States Naval Service.