The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Joseph J. Twitty (ASN: 0-12079), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence on the Joint Staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas and as Officer in Charge, Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific Ocean Areas from 7 September 1943 to 1 September 1945. He organized and directed the activities of the Joint Intelligence Center to supply all kinds of intelligence to forces operating against the enemy. By his energy and initiative, he established an intelligence organization which collected, evaluated, and disseminated information necessary to the Pacific Fleet and the British Pacific Fleet, as well as the ground and air forces engaged in amphibious operations. His vision and foresight, together with his knowledge of the Japanese and their language are responsible for the careful collection and evaluation of intelligence secured by combatant forces. By his insight into the character of the enemy he planned and directed propaganda activities which contributed materially to the ultimate defeat of the enemy by crushing their will to resist. With subordinate echelons he carefully established intelligence liaison to meet intelligence needs for their operations. His military knowledge, technical skill, and attention to detail brought confidence to all forces in intelligence produced for their operations and was of incalculable value in destroying the forces of the enemy. His exceptional performance of duty, clearly above that normally expected, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.