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 Frank Dechant Wagner, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while Commander Air, SEVENTH Fleet, from 9 July 1944 to 25 August 1945. Admiral Wagner’s leadership inspired aircraft under his command to establish a remarkable record of achievement in operations from New Guinea to the Philippine Islands and Borneo. Through his careful planning and direction numerous airfields, expeditiously constructed in the Philippines and the Netherlands East Indies under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions, proved of great importance to the eminent success of these operations.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Frank Dechant Wagner, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of Patrol Wing TEN during operations against the enemy in the Far Eastern Areas during World War II. Due to his splendid leadership in both the operation and administration of his command, Patrol Wing TEN continued to render invaluable service in reconnaissance and bombing operations throughout the campaign for the defense of the Netherlands East Indies. Information of the enemy obtained and furnished by the units of his command was invariably timely and accurate, in spite of conditions under which flights had to be made under his direction with the enemy in positive control of the air. Captain Wagner’s conduct and that of his command throughout this period has been in accord with the best traditions of the Service.