The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Theodore Stark Wilkinson, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Amphibious Force during operations in the Solomon Islands, from July 1943. He achieved outstanding success in operations against the Japanese. His forceful leadership, careful planning and sound tactical judgment were vital factors in our success.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Theodore Stark Wilkinson, Jr., 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 a task force in action against enemy forces in the Philippine Islands from 1 October 1944 to 18 January 1945. Admiral Wilkinson was a consistently forceful and efficient administrator. He displayed sound judgment and keen foresight in his effective planning of important combat operations and skillfully directed the Southern Attack Force in the attack on Leyte. He was responsible in large measure for the expeditious establishment of our forces in the Philippine Islands. On 9 January he again commanded the attack force in the invasion in the Lingayen Gulf, which resulted in the successful landing of our troops on Luzon and assured the re-capture of the highly strategic islands. Distinguishing himself by his brilliant tactical ability during this crucial period, Vice Admiral Wilkinson contributed materially to the success of these vital offensive operations.