The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Paul Alexander Yost, Jr., United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from May 1986 to May 1990. Admiral Yost’s dynamic leadership and clear understanding of national priorities brought the Coast Guard to a position of prominence in several areas of great national concern. Under his guidance, through interagency agreements, new procurements, upgraded training and relocation of aircraft and personnel, Coast Guard aviation became a major part of America’s war on drugs. At the same time, seaborne movement of drug traffic was greatly reduced due, in large part, to Admiral Yost’s personal involvement in introducing effective command, control, communications and intelligence into the drug war. In representing the President at the cleanup site of the worst oil spill in U.S. history, Admiral Yost skillfully coordinated the efforts of many diverse federal, state and private entities to produce an effective cleanup, and clearly explained the operation to affected communities, legislators and the American public. He was equally proactive in directing the Coast Guard’s protective assistance and humanitarian support to victims of Hurricane Hugo. Admiral Yost strongly reaffirmed the Coast Guard’s national security role through his leadership and close cooperation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Despite these increased levels of effort, Admiral Yost clarified to the Service the importance of its core safety-of-life missions and ensured that professionalism and dedication were retained. Throughout his tour as Commandant, Admiral Yost realigned and continually reassessed the Service’s logistics structure to increase operational effectiveness and to better position the Coast Guard for the future. Admiral Yost’s leadership, dedication and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Untied States Coast Guard.