The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Ira Clarence Eaker (ASN: 0-7478), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, during the landings at Anzio on 22 January 1944 and at Southern France on 15 August 1944. Because of General Eaker’s keen appreciation of the requirements for inter-service cooperation, the invasion of Southern France was an outstanding example of the great success that can be attained by close working arrangements between the Air Forces and the Navy during the planning and execution stages of an amphibious operation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Eaker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.