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 Lieutenant General Thomas Norfleet Griffin, Jr., 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 Chief of Staff, Armed Forces South, from 1988 to 1991. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Griffin reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.