The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Commander (MC) James J. Sapero, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as malaria and epidemic control officer on the staff of Commander South Pacific Area from 17 August 1942 to 2 January 1944. Commander Sapero conceived and developed the malaria-control unit in this area. As a result of his untiring efforts and those of his organization, the incidence of malaria among the military and naval forces was drastically reduced. His methods served as a guide for checking the epidemic in other military areas.