The Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, established in 1951, is an award presented by the U.S. Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) to civilians for specific courageous or heroic acts or exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long-term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps, or Department of the Navy (DON) as a whole.

Details from SECNAVINST 5061.12C (15 Apr 1985), Honorary Awards to Private Citizens and Organizations include:

“The Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award...is the highest form of public service recognition bestowed by DON.  It consists of a gold medal, miniature medal, lapel bar, rosette, and a certificate signed by SECNAV.  Nominations for this award will be limited to those extraordinary cases where individuals have demonstrated exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps, or [to] DON as a whole.”

Both Martin Gottlieb and Nancy Mattson were honored.  Mr. Gottlieb's citation reads as follows (Ms. Mattson's citation is substantially the same):

“For distinguished and outstanding contributions to the United States Navy as a key player in the TAKX/T-5 charter programs.  Using leveraged-lease financing methods, and applying superior professional knowledge, astute judgment, and superb business acumen, Mr. Gottlieb was directly responsible for developing and securing a financial package which will result in savings in excess of $500 million over the life of the ships.  Mr. Gottlieb’s outstanding contributions represent an exceptional record of service to the United States Navy and to his country of which he should be justifiably proud.

Signed, John Lehman, Secretary of the Navy”