The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Thomas Lamison Sprague (NSN: 0-17057/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Task Group THIRTY-EIGHT POINT ONE (TG-38.1), from 1 July to 2 September 1945. Utilizing the maximum striking power of the forces under his command, Rear Admiral Sprague pressed home devastating attacks on the homeland of Japan in coordination with other task groups, directing destructive strikes against aircraft and supporting industries, installations and transportation facilities and concentrations of naval vessels at Yokosuka, Kure and Kobe. Under repeated aerial attacks delivered by the desperate Japanese, he maintained a high standard of fighting efficiency in all his gallant ships and employed brilliant defensive tactics in repulsing the fanatic enemy. Rear Admiral Sprague’s fearless leadership and his expert tactical control of the carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers in Task Group THIRTY-EIGHT POINT ONE were vital factors in the infliction of extensive damage on the enemy and in the completion of hazardous missions without damage to his own ships. By his outstanding professional skill, great personal courage and steadfast devotion to duty under fire, he contributed to the successful prosecution of the war and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.