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 Rear Admiral Harry Wilbur Hill, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as group commander of the amphibious forces of the Pacific Fleet and second in command of the Aispan attack force during World War II. Admiral Hill personally supervised the ship-to-shore operations of assault and garrison-force vessels with excellent control. Following the Saipan invasion, he was placed in full command of the Tinian attack force, and skillfully coordinated his units for a furious onslaught which crushed the enemy in a minimum time despite extremely unfavorable weather toward the end of hostilities.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Harry Wilbur Hill, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States by his brilliant leadership in preparing troops and ships, and formulating plans for the operations against Tarawa, Eniwetok, Apamama and Majuro Atolls. Admiral Hill was in command of naval attack forces prior to and during those operations from 19 September 1943 until 12 March 1944.