The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Claire Lee Chennault (ASN: 0-10090), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious service while in a position of great responsibility as commander of the China Air Task Force from July 4, 1941 to 1942. General Chennault demonstrated keen knowledge of Japanese technique and air tactics. Although greatly outnumbered in personnel, airplanes, and other essential items, he succeeded in protecting a large section of unoccupied China from enemy air attack, and has caused severe loses to the enemy. His appreciation and understanding of the many problems of the China theater resulted not only in highly successful air operations, but also in a high degree of good will between the U.S. Army forces and the people of China. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Chennault and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Claire Lee Chennault (ASN: 0-10090), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the FOURTEENTH Air Force, in China, from March 1943 to July 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Chennault and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.