"Master Chief Petty Officer Delbert D. Black was born on July 11, 1922, in Orr, Oklahoma, graduating from high school in 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 14, 1941. Upon completion of recruit training in San Diego, he was assigned to USS Maryland (BB 46) and was aboard in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He then served aboard eight ships and six shore commands. On January 13, 1967, the Secretary of the Navy announced Master Chief Black as the first MCPON. As such, he was the highest-ranking enlisted man in the Navy, and served as the enlisted representative to the Chief of Naval Operations. He counseled the highest Navy councils on problems associated with enlisted guidance, leadership, and policy. MCPON Black was the first Navy enlisted man to receive the Distinguished Service Medal. His other awards included the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct (seven stars), American Defense (one star), American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific (eight stars), World War II Victory, China Service, Navy Occupation, National Defense (one star), Korean Service, Vietnam Service (three stars), Antarctica Service, United Nations, Philippine Liberation (two stars), Philippine PUC, Vietnam Campaign with device, and Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross)."