The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Robert Haddock Blount, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force and as Director of Test and Evaluation in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations from August 1978 to August 1982. Through dynamic leadership, innovative ideas, and superb management, Rear Admiral Blount very effectively directed operational test and evaluation efforts for an average of 500 projects during his tenure. As Commander of the Navy’s independent agency for operational testing, he provided both Chief of Naval Operations and the Department of Defense with objective, accurate, and timely operational information to aid in the weapon systems acquisition process. As a result of his efforts, he contributed substantially to improving operational readiness within the Navy by ensuring that new systems can meet the challenging environment and threat in the 1980’s and 1990’s. By his superior performance, total commitment to excellence, and unswerving dedication to duty, Rear Admiral Blount reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.