The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John Franklin Addams (NSN: 0-571106), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Surface Warfare Distribution Division and as Surface Captain Assignment Officer in the Naval Military Personnel Command from March 1978 to June 1981. An extraordinarily resourceful administrator, astute leader, and superb manager, Captain Addams directed his Division in the distribution of a major portion of the Navy’s officer community. His management initiatives increased significantly both responsiveness to the individual officer and the ability to rapidly satisfy essential requirements. The input of Captain Addams was key in the conceptualization and implementation of the officer manning plan and associated actions to effectively manage scarce officer resources. Additionally, as Division Director, he played a substantial role in guiding the professional development of the surface warfare community. As Surface Captain Assignment Officer, Captain Addams’ performance was of the highest order, consistently displaying unparalleled tact, diplomacy, and political sensitivity in a particularly difficult and highly visible arena. By his exemplary leadership, selfless dedication, and untiring devotion to duty, Captain Addams reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.