The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Ralph Wynne Cousins (NSN: 0-78689/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Attack Carrier Striking Force SEVENTH FLEET (Commander Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN) and Commander Carrier Division FIVE, from September 1967 to July 1969, during combat operations against enemy aggressor forces in Southeast Asia. A dynamic leader and skilled tactician, Vice Admiral Cousins was responsible for all naval air strikes and combat support missions flown from aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin against communist military concentrations and lines of supply and communications. In this extremely exacting assignment, he excelled in capitalizing on enemy vulnerability and in remaining completely responsive to the demands of higher authority. Following two critical changes in United States policy in connection with naval air operations, Vice Admiral Cousins, through his faultless planning and supervision, was directly responsible for major repositioning of forces with greatest utilization of assets for maximum effectiveness, thereby contributing in large measure to the success of naval air forces in inflicting extensive damage and destruction upon the enemy. By his brilliant leadership, professional excellence, and inspiring devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Cousins upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.