The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal to Master Chief Petty Officer Vincent W. Patton, III, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard from May 1998 to October 2002, culminating over 30 years of selfless service to the Nation. His superior insights on leadership, command relationships, and management effectiveness made him a highly valued advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard as well as the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and unit commands throughout the Coast Guard. During his tenure as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, he was directly responsible for raising the visibility of the Coast Guard as one of the branches of the Armed Forces. Through his leadership, he encouraged our service members to embrace our history, heritage, and traditions, fostering renewed price and belonging within the organization. As the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, he expanded his role as the senior enlisted advisor to include matters affecting the entire Coast Guard team. Master Chief Petty Officer Patton maintained an ongoing dialog with Coast Guard personnel, traveling over 200 days a year, visiting various units throughout the Service. Along with his Department of Defense counterparts, Master Chief Petty Officer Patton contributed to the successful improvements in numerous quality of life issues such as TRICARE, pay and allowances, and benefits. He strongly advocated the implementation of a new Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), which has been widely acclaimed and will have a substantial effect on the performance and morale of military personnel. As a leader, he was exceptional in recognizing members of team Coast Guard for their value and contributions to the organization. As a result of his initiative, the Master Chief Petty Officer Angela M. McShan Inspirational Leadership Award was established. He has been a superb ambassador for the Coast Guard throughout his long and distinguished career. Master Chief Petty Officer Patton’s leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.