The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral (CEC) Carl H. Cotter, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director of the Pacific Division, Bureau of Docks, from 4 February 1943 to 22 June 1945, and as Director, Western Pacific Division, Bureau of Docks, from 23 June 1945 to 8 November 1945. Admiral Cotter was the direct representative of the Chief of Bureau of Docks in the Central, South and South Western Pacific Areas. He exercised general supervision over matters pertaining to the construction of advance bases, use and replacement of construction equipment and materials under the cognizance of the Bureau of Docks and the assignment and administration of all Seabee personnel. Conducting frequent detailed inspections of every naval base and naval air base in these vast areas, he continually advised all echelons of command concerning problems of construction.