The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Russell Willson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet from 1 September 1942 to 19 November 1942. During the above periods, by the exercise of his sound judgment, superior professional ability, active imagination and broad vision he performed outstanding service in providing sage council and advice, and with exceptional executive ability and unusual energy, he discharged his duties tactfully and with a consummate success, thereby contributing significantly to the prosecution of the war and reflecting great credit upon the United States Naval Service.