The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral [then Vice Admiral] Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander of the SEVENTH Fleet during the period October 1962 to June 1964. Admiral Moorer demonstrated superb leadership and a phenomenal grasp of tactical and strategic considerations in maintaining a high level of readiness in the SEVENTH Fleet during a period of markedly increased tension when the forces under his command were called upon to make a myriad of exigencies spread over a vast area including a unique call at a Pacific Soviet port of the South China Sea, and establishment of a U.S. Naval presence across the broad expanse of the Indian Ocean by the Concord Squadron. Admiral Moorer’s brilliant management of available resources insured rapid and effective response in contingencies where the maintenance of the most delicate balance of power were in the highest national interest. Through his superior understanding of inherent politico-military considerations, and by his close personal relationship with the Chiefs of State and other leaders in the Far East, he contributed materially toward strengthening the bond between the United States and her allies. His outstanding professional skill, leadership, and devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from July 1970 to July 1974. In this capacity, Admiral Moorer rendered sage advice on matters of the highest priority to the President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. His counsel was characterized by thoroughness, accuracy and wisdom, and his understanding of the many complex problems of national security justified the confidence placed in him by the highest authorities in the nation. Displaying the utmost in personal tact and diplomacy with government and military leaders of other nations, Admiral Moorer was instrumental in strengthening their respect for the United States which was vital to the perpetuation of international defense. His contributions to the Strategic Arms Limitations talks were of key importance to the interests of the United States in these vitally important negotiations. By his professional expertise and inspiring devotion to duty, Admiral Moorer rendered valuable and distinguished service and contributed significantly to the success of the mission of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Operations from August 1967 to January 1969. Admiral Moorer provided forceful and aggressive leadership during a period of increasing worldwide commitments and continuous combat operations against enemy forces in Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, significant improvements in the management of the naval establishment were achieved, and decisions of far-reaching significance to the posture and capabilities of tomorrow’s Navy were made. Admiral Moorer’s perceptive grasp of the operational requirements and problems of our naval forces in Southeast Asia, his keen foresight, and his consummate professional skill enabled him to provide brilliant direction to the Navy’s fulfillment of its mission in the Vietnam conflict. Demonstrating extraordinary managerial ability, he afforded the guidance and the support needed at all levels of the Navy. His ability to see and to appraise all sides of an issue and his capacity for the tactful and diplomatic resolution of differing views or incompatible requirements have generated a sincere loyalty and a profound admiration in all with whom he has served and have enhanced the team spirit which is so vital to effective organizational effort. Throughout, he has manifested a thorough understanding and a deep appreciation of the basic, central role which our service men and women and their families play in the achievement and maintenance of a dynamic, versatile, and responsive Navy. By his dedicated application of his vast professional ability, and by his selfless devotion to the important duties of his office, Admiral Moorer rendered distinguished service of inestimable value to the Nation, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in positions of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, from April 1965 to June 1967, as Commander in Chief Atlantic, Commander in Chief U. S. Atlantic Fleet, Commander in Chief Western Atlantic Area, and Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. Admiral Moorer demonstrated outstanding leadership and notable operational and planning ability in successfully accomplishing the missions of these vital commands during a period of continued unrest and tension in the world. During the Dominican crisis of 1965 – 66, he directed military operations with utmost professionalism, judgment and diplomacy, resulting in a cease-fire, politico-military stabilization of the situation, establishment of an interim government, the election of a president in a free and democratic election, and finally the orderly and peaceful withdrawal of U.S. forces. As Commander in Chief Atlantic Command, Admiral Moorer conducted Exercise CLOVE HITCH III which thoroughly validated contingency plans and established the readiness of the Army, Navy and Air Force forces employed. In this role as Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, Admiral Moorer foresaw the need, and initiated a major revision in NATO maritime strategy, involving the preparation of detailed plans to meet a far wider spectrum of Allied contingencies at sea than has heretofore been contemplated. In addition, his preparation and conduct of major maritime exercises; his development of the concept of a Standing Naval Force for Allied Command Atlantic; and his assistance in establishing the Iberian Atlantic Command Headquarters resulted in major contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Admiral Moorer’s dedicated and inspired performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Thomas Hinman Moorer (NSN: 0-72396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as the Chief of Naval Operations from August 1967 to July 1970. A natural leader with great practical values, prudence and understanding, Admiral Moorer, during three years as the Chief of Naval Operations, charted for the Navy a course for the future which will insure to the United States the sustaining of her maritime power in the decades ahead. Attesting to this is the Navy’s current program of ship and aircraft modernization, broad ins cope, dramatic in future impact, and essential to the security of our nation. Concurrently, and during sustained combat in Southeast Asia, forces of the United States Navy have been ready and effective in worldwide support of United States foreign policy and national strategy. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Moorer, through his statesmanship and superb understanding of the factors which influence the formulation of national policy, contributed substantially to the development of important policies during a period of vital and unusual significance to the United States. His wise advice, exceptional judgment, and clarity of vision have been acknowledged in the highest councils of our Government. In his role as Chief of his service, Admiral Moorer consistently displayed strength of character, a warm personality and a deep understanding of people, resulting in the finest in inspirational leadership–leadership which has had a positive influence on Naval personnel of all ranks and grades. By his dedicated and distinguished service, Admiral Moorer has contributed greatly to the success of the United States and friendly forces engaged in combat and in protection of the citizens of all free nations, thereby upholding and contributing to the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.