The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Captain [then Commander] Kenneth Mortimer Hoeffel (NSN: 0-10822), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of Naval Forces in the Philippine Islands during the period from 12 March 1942 to 6 May 1942. He acted as Naval Advisor to the Commanding General of the United States Forces in the Philippines on all matters pertaining to the use of Navy equipment and installations, and he planned and executed the movement and use of Naval vessels in the prolonged defense effort. Through his outstanding technical knowledge, leadership and devotion to duty, Captain Hoeffel contributed greatly to the coordinated defense of Corregidor.