The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Richard Claggett Williams, Jr. (NSN: 0-71301), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander Mine Squadron THREE and as Commander Task Group NINETY-FIVE POINT SIX during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 5 March to 24 December 1951. An officer of marked professional skill and resourcefulness, Captain Williams was eminently successful in the sweeping of extensive hostile mine fields in strategic areas off both coasts of Korea and directed his Task Group with painstaking attention to the capabilities of his forces, sound planning and the maintenance of a high degree of esprit de corps in his personnel. Developing and implementing new tactics and techniques, he carried out daring inshore mine-sweeping operations in the face of concentrated fire from enemy guns and, clearing as many as ninety mines within a single day, enabled friendly naval forces to close in and bombard vital inland targets which would otherwise have been inaccessible. His inspiring leadership, superb judgment and steadfast devotion to duty throughout this critical period were greatly instrumental in the success achieved by friendly naval forces and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Williams and the United States Naval Service.