The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Paul David Stroop, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as first Chief of the Bureau of Naval Weapons during the period 9 September 1959 to October 1962. Vice Admiral Stroop welded the Bureau of Ordnance and the Bureau of Aeronautics into a smoothly-functioning Bureau of Naval Weapons. He effectively solved some of the most complex management problems, causing the merger of the two bureaus to be completed seven month ahead of schedule. Operational support was not impaired at any time during this period. Vice Admiral Stroop’s appreciation of both human and technical problems involved was a major factor in the smoothness with which the consolidation was effected. His management of the Bureau resulted in great strides being taken to reduce the lead time between expression of an operational requirement and delivery to the combat forces of fully developed and effective weapons systems. His dedication to reducing the cost of weapons systems acquisitions has been directly reflected in the Department of Defense cost reductions.