The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral William K. Mendenhall, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1960 to January 1962 as Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. European Command. In carrying out his responsibilities, Rear Admiral Mendenhall made a significant contribution to the successful accomplishment of the many joint activities of the U.S. European Command, attaining a high degree of coordinated effort among the divisions of the command. In developing inspection procedures for the Military Assistance Advisory Groups and Missions under the jurisdiction of the U.S. European Command, and in his active participation in the inspections, he displayed unusual ability. His personal and official relationships with the military and government officials of the host countries during his inspection visits were marked by cordiality, confidence and great respect, resulting in an enhancement of the prestige of the United States and her armed forces.