The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ingolf Norman Kiland, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Amphibious Group SEVEN engaged in the assault and capture of Japanese-held Kerama Retto, Okinawa Gunto, during the period 15 February 1945 to 22 May 1945. Admiral Kiland contributed materially to the success of the entire campaign. Because of his efficient planning, organization, and operation of the units under his command, and despite repeated attacks by enemy aircraft, he personally directed the assault on the many islands of the Kerama Retto, organized the Fleet anchorage, and established therein a logistics and repair base, a seaplane base, and casualty handling and evacuation facilities with such success that large numbers of combatant ships were refueled and rearmed, and numerous damaged ships were salvaged and repaired to fight again. Admiral Kiland showed initiative, resourcefulness and outstanding performance of duty.