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 Vice Admiral William Edward Ellis (NSN: 0-63180), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic, from May 1966 to September 1968. During this period, Vice Admiral Ellis participated in and directed the planning which resulted int eh multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Standing Naval Force Atlantic; in the development of new concepts for the employment of maritime forces in support of the military strategy of NATO; and in a variety of activities, the sum of which has brought about a new awareness on the part of NATO of the growing dependence of the Warsaw Pact Nations on a maritime strategy. As Chief of Staff during a time in which NATO has seen many significant challenges and organizational changes, he applied his exceptional talents in the field of politico-military interrelationships so as to effectively support he Command, the Alliance it serves, and the policies of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Vice Admiral Ellis and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.