The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William A. Glassford, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as head of a mission of grave importance at Dakar, French West Africa during World War II. By his intelligent and tactful direction of negotiations with the representatives of France, he was able to pave the way for close and effective operations at sea in that important area. His profound understanding and judicious conduct of an undertaking of far-reaching significance were decisive factors in the successful accomplishment of a strategic mission.