Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Billy Joe Ellis, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Ellis distinguished himself as Commander, 40th Air Division, Wurtamith Air Force Base, Michigan, and as Commander, Air Division Provisional, 17th, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, from 22 February 1972 to 14 October 1973. In these important assignments, the forceful and dynamic leadership and superior dedicated efforts of General Ellis were significantly displayed in the strategic direction of the 40th Air Division and the 17th Air Division, the cessation of bombing, and the maintenance of peace in Southeast Asia. The singularly accomplishments of General Ellis reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1977 – July 31, 1981

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Billy Joe Ellis, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Ellis distinguished himself as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and as Vice Commander, NINTH Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, from 1 August 1977 to 31 July 1981. During this period, General Ellis’ exceptional professional capability, exemplary leadership, and devotion to duty were instrumental in the resolution of many complex tactical airpower problems. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ellis culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    1964

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Billy Joe Ellis, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the 4450th Standardized Evaluation Group in 1964. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Ellis and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    1952

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Billy Joe Ellis, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 8th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in Korea. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    4450th Standardized Evaluation Group

    Action Date:

    1964

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Billy Joe Ellis, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight with the 4450th Standardized Evaluation Group, in 1964. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    1964

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Billy Joe Ellis, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight with the 4450th Standardized Evaluation Group, in 1964. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.