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.



