The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Mildred McAfee Horton (NSN: 0-183626), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director of the Women’s Reserve of the United States Naval Reserve, from 3 August 1942 to 31 August 1945. Qualified professionally and intellectually for this unique service, immediately purposed toward the full utilization of women in the nation’s organized war effort, Captain Horton was directly instrumental in the initiation of plans and policies affecting the administration, welfare and public relations responsible for procedures motivating their effective performance in the continental United States and the FOURTEENTH Naval District. Keenly perceptive of the potentialities of an ideal, she inspired in the general public her own confidence, translating her experience-based theories into actuality in the generally recognized acceptance of women as n integral part of the Naval Service. Under her capable and devoted leadership, the standards of integrity, loyalty and enthusiasm were met by 86,000 members of the Women’s Reserve, reflecting the highest credit upon Captain Horton and the United States Naval Service.