The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral William Lehigh Rees, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet from May 1956 to September 1960. Vice Admiral Rees achieved a significant improvement in the combat readiness of his forces which, in turn, was reflected in improved combat capability of Atlantic Fleet, SIXTH Fleet and North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces. His foresight and wise planning contributed materially toward expediting the early operational readiness of the FORRESTAL Class aircraft carriers, thus enhancing Fleet readiness. The improved air warfare capabilities of naval aircraft assigned to the Atlantic Fleet forces is indicative of the astute training policies used by Vice Admiral Rees.