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 Ulysses Simpson Grant Sharp (NSN: 0-61258), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander in Chief, Pacific, from 30 June 1964 to 31 July 1968. As the Commander in chief of the largest unified command in the world, Admiral Sharp directed the conduct of almost continuous combat operations against enemy forces in Southeast Asia. His sound judgment, statesmanship, dedication, and tenacity, combined with an extraordinary ability to command and deploy a force of almost one million men, resulted in unremitting pressure and a determined stand against the spread of communism in Asia and the Pacific. Admiral Sharp’s inspiring leadership and strategic direction were continually exemplified in the impartial and skillful employment of his combined forces of all military services and have earned him the respect and admiration of his Service and of his component commanders. He demonstrated exceptional military skill and bold imagination in the conduct of the air war against enemy forces in North Vietnam. His understanding in the use of all forms of military and economic power were particularly brilliant and contributed, materially to our objectives. Admiral Sharp served with distinction as the United States Military Advisor in all international alliances in the Pacific Command area. His diplomacy, unwavering fairness, and consummate professional skill generated warm admiration in all with whom he dealt. Senior foreign statesmen and allied military leaders exchanged views with Admiral Sharp in a climate of mutual friendship and complete confidence, thereby enhancing the objectives of mutual security throughout the western Pacific and Asia. His singularly distinctive accomplishments during the past four wartime years culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral [then Vice Admiral] Ulysses Simpson Grant Sharp (NSN: 0-61258), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans and Policy) from August 1960 through August 1963. Exercising outstanding professional competence and dedication in an assignment which involved a thorough knowledge of all aspects of national power, Admiral Sharp made a significant contribution to the security of the United States during a period of continuing international tension. As the principal advisor to the Chief of naval Operations on matters under consideration by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations on international politics–military affairs, he served with unique distinction, participating directly in the formulation of strategic concepts and plans for the defense of the United States, and in establishment of security policies designed to strengthen and preserve peace throughout the world. Through his vision and side knowledge of the role of naval forces as a component of total national strength, he engendered the admiration and respect of all with whom he served. His comprehensive grasp and understanding of military power enhanced his brilliant contribution in support of national objectives, as typified during the Cuban crisis in October 1962. Admiral Sharp’s distinguished service throughout this period reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.