Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Philippine Squadron. U.S. Navy

"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Commander Harold Raynsford Stark (NSN: 0-5548), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of a Squadron of small and old destroyers, hurriedly fitted out in the Philippines and dispatched to the Mediterranean at a season when the southwest monsoon was at its height. The trip was successfully made under Commander Stark's efficient leadership, in spite of many difficulties, in a time much shorter than had been considered possible, and the squadron arrived in the Mediterranean in excellent condition in time to take an active and efficient part in the anti-submarine campaign there, and in the Atlantic. For exceptionally meritorious service on the Staff of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces operating in European Waters."

Authority: Navy Book of Distinguished Service (Stringer)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Admiral

Unit:

Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

August 1942

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during his tenure of office as Chief of Naval Operations from 1939 to 1942, when he was charged with the responsibility of building and administering the largest peacetime Navy in the history of this country. Due to his exceptional qualities of leadership and his outstanding ability, full reliance was placed upon his advice and counsel by the Secretary of the Navy, by the Congress and by the President of the United States as evidenced by the executive and legislative measures adopted for the Naval Service to effect a high state of training for war and the building of a "two ocean Navy."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 305
-
Second DSM/N received as Gold Star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Admiral

Unit:

Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

August 18th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Neptune

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States. Admiral Stark was responsible for the planning, preparation and coordination of the United States Naval aspects of the launching of the campaign for the liberation of Europe in World War II. Through keen foresight and exceptional administrative ability, Admiral Stark was able to plan for and meet the necessary personnel and materiel requirements for this enormous operation. Only through his untiring efforts was the accomplishment of this successful invasion completed. The services rendered by Admiral Stark reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

War Department, General Orders No. 68

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Admiral

Unit:

12th Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

1945

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, from 30 April 1942 to 14 August 1945; and Commander TWELFTH Fleet from 1 October 1943 to 15 August 1945. Maintaining close liaison with British and other Allied naval authorities in the European Theater, Admiral Stark ably represented the United States Navy in the theater integration of Allied military plans, skillfully directing the Navy's participation in the vital problems of supply to the United Kingdom, building up in that area the bases essential to the training and operation of United States Naval amphibious forces and discharging effectively his responsibilities for the logistic support of the United States Naval Task Force assigned to the invasion of Normandy and for the continuing supply in support of Allied land forces after the invasion. Serving as Naval Advisor to the United States Member of the European Advisory Commission in addition to his duty as Senior United States Naval Representative in Europe, Admiral Stark rendered distinguished and brilliant service not only as a Naval administrator but also as a highly skilled and diplomatic emissary in his relations with Allied authorities, contributing vitally to the success of the Normandy invasion and the post-war in Europe. His performance of this exacting and important assignment was characterized by exceptional tact, intelligence, professional integrity and gallant devotion to duty, reflecting the highest credit upon himself, the United States Naval Service and his country."

Third DSM/N received as second Gold Star

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

1 bronze service star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Silver palm