The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Harold Gardiner Bowen, Sr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States over the past ten years while Chief of the Bureau of Engineering, Chief of the Naval Research Laboratory, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, and Chief of the Office of Research and Inventions. Rear Admiral Bowen sponsored the installation on United States naval vessels of propulsion machinery which at the time appeared radical in design, and played a large part in the development of radar equipment and other munitions. The operations of the United States Navy during the war amply demonstrated his vision and sound judgment in the adoption of new weapons, which materially increased the efficiency of the Fleet. In his operation for the Secretary of the Navy of plants making naval munitions, Rear Admiral Bowen displayed great skill and administrative ability in a field where there were few rules to guide him. In so doing, he aided materially the production of war material for the Navy. In taking charge of the new Office of Research and Inventions at a difficult period, Rear Admiral Bowen has built steadily for the future in a field which is of vital importance to the Department. Through his achievements in these several fields of varied activities, Rear Admiral Bowen has demonstrated great qualities of judgment and leadership, and has rendered service of great distinction to himself, the United States Navy, and his country.