The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Morton Lyndholm Deyo (NSN: 0-7760), 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 Gunfire and Covering Force during the amphibious assault against Japanese-held Okinawa Gunto and the subsequent conquest of this strategic enemy island, from 24 March to 4 May 1945. The Force under Rear Admiral Deyo’s command delivered effective bombardment to cover the successful amphibious landing executed by our troops and subsequently, provided gunfire support of the land campaign, at the same time fighting fiercely against repeated attacks by aircraft and suicide surface craft. Although his flagship was hit by an enemy suicide plane during one action, Rear Admiral Deyo synchronized the units of his force to destroy enemy gun emplacements and strongpoints, disperse troop concentrations, harass hostile counterattacks and support attacks by our troops. Continuing these operations without interruption, the Gunfire and Covering Force under his direction destroyed a number of Japanese planes and frustrated all attempts launched by the enemy to attack our transports with suicide boats. By his courage, leadership, judgment and unwavering devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Deyo contributed to the success of this major operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.