The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Charles Robert Larson (NSN: 0-624726), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander SECOND Fleet; Commander Striking Fleet Atlantic; and as Commander, Joint Task Force 120 from August 1986 to August 1988. Vice Admiral Larson led his command in a wide ranging exploration of new strategic and tactical concepts. Through his leadership in the execution of Fleet operations and tactical development, he was responsible for the introduction of innovative tactics, which resulted in quantum improvements in the Fleet’s ability to fight and win a war at sea. His innovations in operational training, both in port and at sea, enhanced the focus on fleet combat training. By his unswerving dedication to excellence in preparing his command for the exigencies of combat, Vice Admiral Larson rendered valuable and distinguished service to the nation and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Vice Admiral Larson’s uncompromising professionalism, experienced judgment, and tenacious devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Charles Robert Larson (NSN: 0-624726), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy and Operations; as Navy Operations Deputy, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and as Senior United States Member of the Military Staff Committee of the United Nations from September 1988 to February 1990. Vice Admiral Larson’s many initiatives, broad grasp of national and international political and military issues, and exceptional strategic foresight made a lasting contribution to the Navy and the development of U.S. national security policy and strategy. At a time of extraordinary politico-military activity in a rapidly changing global political environment, he provided wise counsel for developing U.S. Government positions for strategic arms control negotiations, conventional arms control negotiations, and naval arms control matters. Vice Admiral Larson organized and led the U.S. Navy counter-narcotics effort in operations at sea designed to interdict the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. His leadership of the U.S. Navy delegation to the highly successful 1989 Incidents at Sea Conference with the Soviet Navy greatly reduced the probability of tensions at sea between the two navies. Throughout, his clear vision of U.S. national security needs, and the Navy’s role in fulfilling those needs will shape the Navy’s course well into the next century. Vice Admiral Larson’s distinctive accomplishments, unparalleled professionalism, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Charles Robert Larson (NSN: 0-624726), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet from February 1990 to February 1991. Admiral Larson’s unsurpassed professionalism and flawless judgment were directly responsible for dramatic improvements in the readiness and operational performance of the Pacific Fleet. His superior comprehension of the complexities associated with managing a fleet contributed directly to reaching and maintaining unprecedented responsiveness to national security requirements, despite increasing fiscal constraints. Admiral Larson’s superior grasp of international political issues and domestic policy consideration and his vast knowledge of the capabilities of both potential enemy and friendly naval forces were invaluable in expertly guiding the actions of the Pacific Fleet in support of deterrence and world peace. He devised and directed numerous programs which greatly improved the Pacific Maritime strategy and adroitly opened new horizons in the tactical employment of forces in low intensity conflict and regional contingencies. As the Iraqi-Kuwait confrontation intensified, and commitments in support of DESERT SHIELD reduced Fleet assets, he most effectively supported national efforts by balancing assets so as to maintain the flexibility to respond to unexpected, real world requirements. Admiral Larson’s outstanding professional abilities, unsurpassed loyalty, and unflagging dedication to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Captain Charles Robert Larson (NSN: 0-624726), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. HALIBUT (SSN-587) during 1975. The extraordinary degree of success attained during the conduct of this operation was of immeasurable value to the nation. The achievements were a direct result of the close personal involvement, brilliant leadership ability, courage, and superb professional skill displayed by Captain Larson in executing an extremely complex and challenging operation. The finest sense of judgment and command prescience as well as the ability to employ highly sophisticated and specialized submarine systems were demanded at all times. His meticulous planning and thorough preparations for this operation were exacting and included all possible contingencies. By his distinctive accomplishments and unstinting dedication, Captain Larson rendered extremely valuable and distinguished service; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Charles Robert Larson (NSN: 0-624726), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, from August 1994 to July 1998. Responsible for the Navy’s only undergraduate institution, which is also the principal source of career officers for the naval service, Admiral Larson guided the Academy to new levels of excellence and mission achievement by producing graduates better prepared morally, mentally, and physically than ever before. As a result of his superlative leadership, extraordinary insight, and boundless energy, the Naval Academy experienced a four-year period of innovation and program development, operating with growth in total consonance with the needs of the service. His exceptional breadth of experience led the way to the Naval Academy’s academic accreditation, establishment of a four-year fully integrated Character Development program, and the Navy’s initiatives coupled withy a complete review of the Naval Academy curriculum will enable the Naval Academy to retain its status as a premier national institution well into the 21st Century. By his distinguished performance, extraordinary skills, and resolute devotion to duty, Admiral Larson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.