The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Commodore Lawrence Fairfax Reifsnider (NSN: 0-7250), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Transport Group, THIRD Amphibious Force, from July to November 1943. Charged with the routing and providing of escorts for vessels carrying supplies and troops to the forward areas through waters menaced by enemy Japanese submarines and aircraft, Commodore Reifsnider solved this tremendous problem of logistics with the highest efficiency and resourcefulness. Delegated the duties of Officer in Tactical Command of the entire transport group in the assault on Bougainville, 1 November, he brought his vessels through dangerous and uncharted shoals into the attack area and skillfully maneuvered them under threat from large formations of enemy aircraft and fighter cover. Displaying outstanding tactical ability and fearless intrepidity, he withdrew the transport group unscathed and returned the following day to complete the unloading of four ships. His brilliant leadership and extreme courage inspired all under his command with the gallant determination to fight through, irrespective of difficulties, and reflected great credit upon the United States Naval Service.