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 Admiral Harold Raynsford Stark (NSN: 0-5548), 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, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, from 30 April 1942 to 14 August 1945; and Commander TWELFTH Fleet from 1 October 1943 to 15 August 1945. Maintaining close liaison with British and other Allied naval authorities in the European Theater, Admiral Stark ably represented the United States Navy in the theater integration of Allied military plans, skillfully directing the Navy’s participation in the vital problems of supply to the United Kingdom, building up in that area the bases essential to the training and operation of United States Naval amphibious forces and discharging effectively his responsibilities for the logistic support of the United States Naval Task Force assigned to the invasion of Normandy and for the continuing supply in support of Allied land forces after the invasion. Serving as Naval Advisor to the United States Member of the European Advisory Commission in addition to his duty as Senior United States Naval Representative in Europe, Admiral Stark rendered distinguished and brilliant service not only as a Naval administrator but also as a highly skilled and diplomatic emissary in his relations with Allied authorities, contributing vitally to the success of the Normandy invasion and the post-war in Europe. His performance of this exacting and important assignment was characterized by exceptional tact, intelligence, professional integrity and gallant devotion to duty, reflecting the highest credit upon himself, the United States Naval Service and his country.