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 Richmond Kelly Turner (NSN: 0-6312), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. As Commander Joint Expeditionary Force from 24 May 1944 to 12 August 1944, he was in overall command of the amphibious forces and attached support and naval defense forces which effected the assault and occupation of Saipan, Guam, and Tinian in the Mariana Islands. In addition he was in direct command of the Northern Assault Force which captured Saipan . His thorough planning, extensive experience, and tireless diligence in discharging the responsibilities of his command assured the success of these operations. His effective organization of anti-submarine and anti-aircraft defenses at Saipan and the degree of coordination attained between participating air, naval and ground forces were the product of his outstanding ability and broad experience. His personal courage, his skill in planning and operations, and his determination and outstanding leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner (NSN: 0-6312), 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 the Joint Expeditionary Force of the FIFTH Fleet from November 1944 to May 1945. He prepared the intricate plans for and commanded at the objectives the amphibious operations which resulted in the capture and occupation of Iwo Jima and of positions in the Okinawa Gunto between February and May 1945. His mastery of the problems of coordination of the operations of the thousands of naval, air, and amphibious units under his command into a fighting team which accomplished its mission decisively against desperate enemy resistance ashore, and despite frequent air attacks during operations off Okinawa, was of the highest order. Forces under his command inflicted great damage on the enemy and advanced United States control of the sera and air from the Marianas well toward the shores of Japan. His outstanding personal example was an inspiration to the officers and men of his Command and combined with the skillful and aggressive leadership assured the success of the operations. 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 Richmond Kelly Turner (NSN: 0-6312), 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 the Amphibious Force of the South Pacific Force of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. During the period 7 August to 10 December 1942, he was in command of Task Forces employed in transporting, landing and supplying forces of occupation in the Solomon Islands. Forces under his command have been repeatedly subjected to enemy submarines, surface and air attacks. The continued success of American Arms against the enemy Japanese has been to a large degree due to his skillful organizing, dynamic leadership, executive ability and personal fearlessness. He has demonstrated professional skill of the highest order under the most difficult situations.

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 Rear Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner (NSN: 0-6312), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of a Task Force of the Central Pacific Force during the seizure and occupation of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands in November 1943. During this operation Rear Admiral Turner was in command of the Assault Force of the Central Pacific Force employed in the seizure of Tarawa, Makin, and Apamama Atolls, Gilbert Islands, and was in immediate command of the amphibious attack force which seized Makin Atoll. He guided the intricate preparations of the Assault Force with great wisdom, and exercised his command with vision and firmness, thus contributing substantially to the success of the operations.