The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Lesslie Hall, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Acting Chief of Staff to the Commander of the Western Naval Task Force and as Commandant, Naval Operating Base, Casablanca. Rear Admiral Hall acted as Chief of Staff to Rear Admiral Hewitt during the passage of the Western Task Force to Morocco and during the assault phase of the occupation over Morocco. Commending on 8 November 1942, while continuing to perform the duties of Chief of Staff at the same time, he organized and established the Sea Frontier Forces, whose command he assumed on 20 November. He re-established the service of the ports of Casablanca, Safi, Fedala and Port Lyautey which had been occupied, prevented sabotage during the occupation, removed a number of merchant ships which were blockading the harbors, salvaged U.S. vessels which had been damaged during the operations, and made possible the use of these harbors by vessels of the Western Task Force and the convoys which followed them. Throughout the entire period Admiral Hall displayed tireless and unflagging energy and devotion to duty, professional skill and leadership of the highest order, tact and perseverance and contributed in a large measure to the success of the operation. Rear Admiral Hall accompanied the Western Naval Task Force, and as soon as the landing was accomplished began the organization and operation of the Naval Base at Casablanca.

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 John Lesslie Hall, Jr. (NSN: 0-8200), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while Commanding an Amphibious Attack Force during the amphibious operations for the capture of Japanese-held Okinawa, Nansei Shoto, from 1 April 1945 to 10 June 1945. He directed the landing of assault troops and equipment at the objective and supervised the gunfire of ships in support of troops, while under repeated enemy air attacks. Many enemy planes were shot down in the immediate vicinity of the Flagship, which was at all times vulnerable and exposed, but under his courageous and skillful leadership, his force delivered effective gunfire to cover the successful amphibious landing and advance of our troops. The effective synchronization of his surface and air units assisted materially in the destruction of enemy gun emplacements, and defense installations, and in the dispersal of enemy troop concentrations. His initiative, perseverance, and untiring devotion to duty were vital factors in the success of this operation. His personal courage, determination and outstanding leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.