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 Vice Admiral John Sidney McCain, Sr. (NSN: 0-5368), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander SECOND Carrier Task Force and Commander Task Force THIRTY-EIGHT, THIRD Fleet, during the period 1 November 1944 to 26 January 1945, in a series of highly successful offensive missions against the enemy including attacks on the Nansei Shoto Islands, Formosa, Luzon-Visayas Mindanao areas in the Philippine Islands, French Indo-China bases and Hong Kong-Canton Hainan areas, in support of Central and Southwest Pacific amphibious operations in the Palau Group, Ulithi Atoll, Morotai, and in the Philippine Islands. While under constant threat of attack by air, surface and submarines, the THIRD Fleet, to which Vice Admiral McCain was attached, repeatedly steamed for protracted periods in enemy waters and in close proximity to enemy-held territory and bases. During the entire period he successfully carried out all missions assigned his Task Force. In the face of determined enemy opposition, he consistently distinguished himself by great professional skill, high courage, and inspiring leadership. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Sidney McCain, Sr. (NSN: 0-5368), United States Navy, for The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Sidney McCain, Sr. (NSN: 0-5368), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Aircraft, South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force. During the period from 19 May to 21 September 1942, by his courageous initiative and efficient condition of the forces under his command, Rear Admiral McCain was responsible for the expansion and development of shore and tender bases, the maintenance of scouting and striking flights, and the establishment of effective cooperation between those air units of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand assigned to duty on the island bases. His tireless energy and extraordinary skill contributed greatly to occupation of the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area by our forces and to the destruction and serious damaging of numerous aircraft and vessels of the enemy Japanese Navy. His judicious foresight and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.