The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Riley Travis Griffin, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 May 1989 to 30 April 1999 while serving in various positions of increasing responsibility, culminating 29 years of distinguished service as Deputy Chief of Staff for Requirements and Integration. Through Colonel Griffin’s superb leadership and exemplary dedication to the nation, he has made enduring contributions to the training and readiness of Special Operations Forces soldiers today and into the future. His extraordinary achievements throughout his military career reflect great credit upon himself, the United Sates Army Special Operations Command, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
June 1992 – July 1995
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in awarding the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Riley Travis Griffin, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Commander and Deputy Commander, Special Operations Command Atlantic Command, Norfolk, Virginia, from June 1992 to July 1995. During this period, Colonel Griffin provided superior leadership, demonstrated outstanding knowledge of Special Forces roles and missions and provided clear direction during unprecedented missions to reestablish democracy in Haiti. His key leadership resulted in steady improvements in Special Operations Command effectiveness in both operational and mission support areas, particularly in conducting the United States Atlantic Command sponsored exercises in the Caribbean. Colonel Griffin’s herculean performance has left a legendary foundation from which future Special Operations Command initiatives can be successfully generated. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Griffin reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
8th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade (Separate)Division:
1st Cavalry DivisionAction Date:
June 28, 1971
Headquarters, United States Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 670 (April 1, 1972)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Riley Travis Griffin, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade Separate), 1st Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Griffin distinguished himself on 28 June 1971 when his unit became engaged with an enemy force. He courageously exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he moved forward to one of the seriously wounded members to carry him to the rear of the contact area. He then went back and picked up another wounded member and began to carry him when the wounded man was mortally wounded by sniper fire. Captain Griffin continued to expose himself to enemy fire as he returned a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the enemy positions until his rifle was hit by enemy fire. Disregarding his weapon, Captain Griffin continued to expose himself as he moved from position to position directing his men. Captain Griffin’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)Division:
1st Special ForcesAction Date:
October 15, 1985 – December 4, 1987
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Riley Travis Griffin, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan from 15 October 1985 to 4 December 1987. Colonel Griffin’s distinguished leadership, keen perception of sensitive military and political matters, profound managerial acumen, and practical approach to complex problems resulted in expanded and enhanced relations with eight foreign countries in the Pacific Theater. His expertise concerning special operations and his technical knowledge of specialized skills provided the battalion with a true subject matter expert for the planning of many critical Operations. Lieutenant Colonel Griffin’s distinguished performance of duty represents outstanding achievements in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon him and the military service.