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 Reuben Columbus Hood, Jr. (ASN: 0-17884), 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 Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Army Air Forces, from January 1945 to May 1946. He provided valuable assistance in planning operations in the Asiatic Theater, and in preparing the Army Air Forces for occupation responsibilities. He discharged important tasks to acquaint, techniques, organization and material, and supervised the presentation of materials to Congress in connection with enactment on important legislation. Through his military background, professional knowledge and devotion to duty, General Hood contributed materially to plans for the future development of the Army Air Forces in the pattern of national defense. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hood and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.