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 Admiral Thomas Charles Hart, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet. In that position of great responsibility Admiral Hart exercised sound judgment and marked resourcefulness in dealing with the difficult military and diplomatic situation prevailing prior to December 7, 1941, and upon our entry into war with Japan disposed and handled the Asiatic Fleet in a manner which left nothing to be desired. His conduct of the operations of the Allied Naval Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area during January and February 1942, was characterized by unfailing judgment and sound decision coupled with marked moral, courage in the face of discouraging surroundings and complex associations.