The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral William Wohlsen Behrens, Jr. (NSN: 0-282911), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Naval Deputy, and as Assistant Deputy Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from June 1972 through July 1974. During his tenure, Vice Admiral Behrens rendered important and permanent services in advancing national interests in Marine and environmental affairs. His wise counsel, sensitive guidance, and astute perception of the broad implications of developing policy have most productively supported NOAA’s national efforts in responsibilities for managing, overseeing, and directing the Federal Ocean Program. His impressive initiatives in fostering improved Federal interagency coordination and cooperation in policy formulation, program development, and operational activities directly facilitated more efficient government operations in the oceans and coastal zone. Further, Vice Admiral Behrens was instrumental in vitalizing renewed national attention in oceanic and atmospheric progress and establishing its critical relevance to national security and welfare. By his exceptional innovativeness, superb foresight, and total devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Behrens upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.