The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Kleber Sandlin Masterson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, U.S. SECOND Fleet from 17 April 1964 to 22 August 1966. Responsible for maintaining the principal naval striking force in the Atlantic area at a high level of readiness, Vice Admiral Masterson ensured maximum effective use of all resources, services and facilities available to and within the SECOND Fleet by initiating a new operating plan which split the Fleet into two sections – a BLUE Group and a GOLD Group – each composed of a full task group, alternating between training at sea and upkeep in port. As a result of this concept of operations within the SECOND Fleet, a high level of readiness was maintained, more efficient use of resources and services was achieved and the morale of Fleet personnel was enhanced. In his role as Commander Joint Task Force 122, Vice Admiral Masterson personally directed the initial and most vital phases of the U.S. Military operations in the Dominican Republic crisis. As Commander Striking Fleet Atlantic, he directed the forces which contributed to the success of numerous NATO, U.S. Atlantic Command and U.S. Atlantic Fleet training exercises.