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 Vice Admiral [then 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 Task Group 38.1, operating in the Philippine Islands area from 30 October 1944 to 29 December 1944. Admiral Montgomery directed his group in highly successful operations against the enemy, inflicting severe and costly damage on aircraft, shipping and shore installations at Leyte, Manila and Luzon.