The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral John Sidney McCain, Jr. (NSN: 0-70140), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces, Europe, from April 1967 to July 1968. Responsible for maintaining the United States Naval Forces in the European area at a high state of readiness, Admiral McCain anticipated U.S. requirements and prepared his command with great professional skill for contingency operations during the Middle East crisis, resulting in the strategic location of surface, air, and amphibious forces in the Eastern Mediterranean for the most effective utilization in any contingency. The clarity, forcefulness, and wisdom of his guidance to subordinate commanders during the Arab-Israeli War, the U.S.S. LIBERTY incident, and the Cyprus crisis of 1967 ensured alert and prepared forces promptly deployed in a maximum state of combat readiness, and thereby contributed significantly to a decrease in international tension in each instance. Throughout his tenure in command, Admiral McCain took innovative and sound measures to increase the readiness of naval forces. By his efforts, the SIXTH Fleet was provided the guidance and organizational assistance to make it an effective and ready force for peace. Through his astute and brilliant leadership and inspiring devotion to duty, Admiral McCain rendered valuable and distinguished service in the European area during this critical period of crisis, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.