The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Charles Alan Pownall, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as task force commander of the Central Pacific Force during the seizure of the Gilbert Islands and a raid on the Marshall Islands during World War II. Admiral Pownall interposed the task group under his command between our forces and enemy bases, repeatedly bombing enemy installations and maintaining control of the air throughout the entire operation. He later directed vigorous assaults which culminated in the successful completion of our operations.