(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral John R. Ryan, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, from 4 June 1998 to 7 June 2002. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Vice Admiral Ryan culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.