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 Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (NSN: 0-498206), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief United States Pacific Fleet from August 1976 to May 1978. During his tenure, Admiral Hayward’s steadfast leadership maximized the contribution of the Pacific Fleet to the national interests of the United States. Recognizing the key role of the Fleet in preserving peace and deterring aggression in the vast area encompassing the Pacific and Indian Oceans, he worked with consummate skill and tireless energy to strengthen the Fleet and to optimize both its peacetime disposition and its planned wartime employment. By his dedicated professionalism, he made significant and lasting contributions to the United States strategy in the Pacific. Admiral Hayward’s distinctive achievements, perseverance, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.






