The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral William Alton Schoech, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander SEVENTH Fleet from October 1961 to November 1962. Vice Admiral Schoech’s dedicated approach to complex problems associated with the maintenance of the SEVENTH Fleet as an instrument of national policy was responsible for the ready response of his forces to the many emergencies which arose in Southeast Asia and other Pacific areas. The heightened military action in Laos in May 1962 was one of the major crises to be faced by the SEVENTH Fleet under his command. The prompt response of U.S. forces to requests from the government of Thailand for assistance was made possible largely due to his foresight and determined action in insuring the readiness of his forces to meet any challenge, and prevented a potentially explosive situation from becoming uncontrollable. Vice Admiral Schoech’s personal concern for the welfare of personnel involved in this operation led him to make repeated visits to the various groups which constituted the expeditionary unit. Further evidence of his interest in the well-being of his men is shown by his personal inspection of the Quemoy Island defenses. He exerted every effort to improve the close liaison and collaboration on problems of mutual interest to the members of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral William Alton Schoech, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Material from 1 July 1963 to 28 February 1965. Responsible for the organization, command and operating philosophy of the Naval Material Support Establishment, Vice Admiral Schoech achieved a cohesive and highly motivated organization in record time. He achieved a major change in Navy material organization without disruption of functions or loss of morale among the personnel affected. Vice Admiral Schoech’s direction established cost reduction records within the Department of Defense and reduced procurement processing time.