The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Vice Admiral Francis Compton Denebrink (NSN: 0-10970), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility while in command of the Arctic Operations in 1955. As Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, Department of Defense, Admiral Denebrink directed the delivery by sea of vast cargoes of urgently needed construction materials, equipment and supplies for the Distant Early Warning chain of radar stations across Task Groups of the United States Navy, Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy, Merchant Marine and Military Sea Transportation Service Ships, which successfully penetrated hitherto inaccessible Artic waterways to deliver on schedule more than 500,000 tons of cargo and approximately 3,500,000 barrels of bulk petroleum products to the remote Air Force Distant Early Warning Line sites and other military outposts beyond the Arctic Circle. By his personal initiative, extensive experience in military and cargo shipping operations and perseverance in the face of extremely adverse Arctic weather conditions, Admiral Denebrink contributed immeasurably to the final success of this vital operation. In discharging his great responsibilities in such an outstanding manner, Admiral Denebrink has made a substantial contribution to the national security, and his actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.