The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Alfred Eugene Montgomery, 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 a carrier task group in the Central and Pacific Areas from 18 November to 10 December 1943. Admiral Montgomery exercised sound judgment in directing repeated aerial attacks against Tarawa and greatly assisted our forces in the successful occupation of this strategic island. Later he directed raids on Japanese shipping, aircraft and installations on Kwajalein Atoll. His brilliant leadership contributed in large measure to our ultimate victory in this area.