The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Eric Thor Olson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command from September 1999 to August 2002. Rear Admiral Olson’s superior leadership and professional skill were directly responsible for the success enjoyed by Naval Warfare forces, particularly during the Global War on Terrorism. He put into motion Naval Special Warfare-21, an innovative organization and employment arrangement which offered more efficient and effective capability for fleet commanders. Rear Admiral Olson’s judicious oversight of scarce financial resources, visionary development of new technologies, and ground-breaking realignment initiatives placed Naval Special Warfare Command at the forefront of Special Operations transformation efforts. Under his leadership, Naval Special Warfare Command significantly increased its operational readiness, deploying combat-ready forces to Navy and Joint operational commanders in over 100 countries and aboard more than 60 ships. The impact of Rear Admiral Olson’s superlative performance was immediately apparent from the outset of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, when Naval Special Warfare forces spearheaded United States and coalition combat actions inside Afghanistan, demonstrating unprecedented levels of flexibility and agility. His remarkable enthusiasm, uncompromising standards, and exceptional resourcefulness substantially enhanced every Naval Special Warfare program. Rear Admiral Olson’s exemplary leadership skills, distinctive achievements, and unselfish devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.