The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Steven B. Kantrowitz, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as the Assistant Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy and Deputy Commander, Naval Legal Service Command from October 2000 to December 2004. As the senior Reserve Attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Rear Admiral Kantrowitz was an indispensable member of the Corps’ leadership team during times of great challenge in our Nation’s history. A visionary leader, he recognized the challenges of our time and crafted a historic plan that provided for the recall of over 15 percent of the Naval Reserve Law Program in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Through drills and active duty augmentations, his plan provided operational contributions to 75 to 80 percent of the Reserve Community at any one time. His efforts were the driving force in forging a Reserve Program that was integrated with the active Navy at unprecedented levels. Rear Admiral Kantrowitz personally provided sustained and numerous operational support to the active Navy. On numerous occasions, he served as the acting Judge Advocate General of the Navy, the Navy’s senior military attorney, and the acting Commander, Naval Legal Service Command. During these assignments, he provided thoughtful analysis, sage counsel to civilian and military leadership, unparalleled support to commanders in the field, and ensured the effective delivery of legal services to the Fleet worldwide. Through his keen insight, superb initiative, and extraordinary vision, he has built an enduring legacy for the entire Navy legal community. By his superior leadership, impeccable professionalism, and deep devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Kantrowitz reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.