Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, during Operation JUST CAUSE and Operation DESERT STORM, from 1989 to 1991. The distinctive accomplishments of General Downing reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.