Raborn, William Francis, Jr., VADM

VADM Raborn led the development of the Polaris nuclear missile while working in the Fleet ballistic Missile Program. After his retirement from the Navy, he was chosen to be the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency where he served from April 1965 until June 1966.

Navy Distiguished Service Medal
Awarded for Actions During Cold War
Service: Navy
General Orders: Board Serial 704 (August 5, 1960)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William F. Raborn, Jr. (NSN: 0-62102/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 2 December 1955 to 20 July 1960. In late 1955, Rear Admiral Raborn was charged with the task of developing a Fleet Ballistic Missile System. Exhibiting outstanding organizational ability and technical competence, he established the Special Projects Office, Department of the Navy, and directed his attention to the inauguration of definitive management methods which would provide not only the necessary degree of control but insure that expenditures would be in accord with budgetary considerations as well as the urgency of the program. He established a single yet forceful management system which encompassed all elements of his responsibility, implementing a totally new management tool - the Progress Evaluation Reporting Technique. The widespread adoption of this method of evaluating the progress of a complex research and development program by large sections of American industry reflects his keen perception and resourcefulness. Rear Admiral Raborn's dynamic leadership, enthusiasm and initiative were the motivating factors in the successful accomplishment of this important task when, on 20 July 1960, the U.S.S. GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN-598) proved the operational readiness of Fleet Ballistic Missile System by launching two POLARIS missiles from the ocean depths. This deterrent signaled an historic contribution to the military strength of the United States and attested to Rear Admiral Raborn's extraordinary executive methods by bringing the Fleet Ballistic Missile System into being in the short period of three and one-half years. His outstanding professional ability, leadership, and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.