The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Henry Stanford Persons (NSN: 0-62679), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier; Commandant, FOURTEENTH Naval District; and Commander, Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, from June 1964 through May 1967. Exercising brilliant leadership and professional skill, Rear Admiral Persons directed naval operations in the mid-Pacific which were of great significance to the national defense, including contributions to the achievement of a breakthrough which significantly advanced the frontiers of anti-submarine warfare; planned and executed the recovery operations in the Pacific for the nation’s manned space flight program; and contributed markedly to the safety of life at sea. In addition to providing the highest level of support to the Fleet in furtherance of naval operations in Southeast Asia, Rear Admiral Persons contributed greatly to the morale of the Navy with distinction and brought to the people of Hawaii a responsive understanding of the Navy. By his outstanding leadership, professional competence, statesmanship and devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Persons upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.