The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Laurence Hugh Frost (NSN: 0-60381), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Government of the United States in three successive assignments of great responsibility, as Director of Naval Intelligence, Director, National Security Agency, and Commandant, Potomac River Naval Command, during the period May 1956 to June 1964. Rear Admiral Frost ably and skillfully directed the Intelligence effort of the Navy through the difficult transition period of 1956 to 1960; he directed the National Security Agency during the crucial formulative and growth years of 1960 to 1962; and from 1962 to 1964 he commanded the Potomac River Naval Command, at a time of critical need for naval headquarters support and national capital security in the greater Washington area. Rear Admiral Frost led Naval Intelligence to preeminent success during a time of great international stress; he was instrumental in the evolution of a joint approach to national security matters; he became the Director of the National Security Agency at an extremely critical juncture in United States history; the assignment was then one of the most vital and sensitive assignments in the United States Government; and he gave inspiration and leadership to security and support to the national headquarters complex at the seat of government at a time of great need to the national leadership. His contributions to sound organization and integration of Naval Intelligence and National Security into essential planning, operational and command functions of the Department of the Navy and the forces afloat made a unique and lasting contribution to the planning and conduct of Naval Warfare and national applications of Maritime Power. During this period, 1956 to 1962, his professional skill, outstanding leadership and strenuous personal efforts resulted in significant positive contributions to the resolution of the Suez, Lebanon and Cuban crises, and materially assisted the national leadership in coping with the many other crises of equal or grater seriousness. As Commander of the Potomac River Naval Command, Rear Admiral Frost worked closely and harmoniously with the other Services in putting national headquarters support and federal capital security on a sound, orderly, and flawless basis during the crucial period of naval reorganization, and during such significant events as the “freedom marches,” ceremonies of state, and honors and ceremonies for visiting dignitaries. He demonstrated particular skill and tact in the funeral arrangements for the late President Kennedy, during which, at the request of the family, the Navy was the prominent service. Through his exceptional professional, technical and personal qualifications, Rear Admiral Frost rendered outstanding services to the United States in these three vital fields, Intelligence, Security, and Command, and he materially assisted the leaders of the nation to formulate effective national and international policy, thereby bringing great credit to the Navy, and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.