The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] George Benjamin Greene, Jr. (ASN: 0-1736/ASN: 0-22344), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces near Salamaua, New Guinea, on 30 April 1942. When one flight of his squadron was directed to attack enemy bases at Lae and Salamua, New Guinea, immediately after its arrival in the combat area for the first time, Lieutenant Colonel Greene scheduled himself for this mission, although he was not the flight leader and was not required to participate. Operating over unfamiliar terrain, in spite of the lack of adequate maps, the mission approached the Lae airdrome from the sea, taking the enemy by surprise, and destroying or damaging fifteen heavy bombers and several fighters. Proceeding to Salamua, ground installations and personnel were machine-gunned and three sea planes on the water were destroyed. When a superior number of enemy fighters attacked at a low altitude, Lieutenant Colonel Greene shot down one enemy fighter and damaged several others in the sustained combat which followed.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
July 15, 1956 – July 19, 1959
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 Brigadier General George Benjamin Greene, Jr. (ASN: 0-1736/ASN: 0-22344), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy for Personnel, Air Defense Command, from 15 July 1956 to 19 July 1959. In this responsible assignment, the forceful leadership, outstanding foresight and ceaseless efforts of General Greene were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex personnel problems of major important to the operational capability of his command. During this time, he established an effective plan for providing an Air Force capability to operate and maintain “SAGE Utilities Equipment” within the Air Defense Command; contributed significantly to the planned integration of BOMARC Interceptor units into the Air Defense Command inventory; and increased his command’s retention rate by thirty-nine percent. Through his exceptional initiative, leadership and resourcefulness, General Greene has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 1, 1963 – June 30, 1967
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-236 (July 6, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General George Benjamin Greene, Jr. (AFSN: FR 0-1736/ASN: 0-22344), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Director of Military Personnel, and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel for Military Personnel, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1967. During this period, General Greene displayed outstanding executive leadership, imagination, and objectivity in responding to the unprecedented needs of Southeast Asia and concurrently providing support to other critical Air Force-wide requirements. In addition, the directed the establishment of programs which significantly improved the Air Force personnel management posture. His exceptional managerial abilities, initiative, and imagination contributed directly to major advancements in the application of electronic data processing techniques to personal administration and management. Under his dynamic leadership, the various functions of the Directorate of Military Personnel and other Air Staff offices were relocated and consolidated into the United States Air Force Military Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, resulting in considerable increase in the effectiveness and management capability of the personnel program. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Greene are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service, and reflect favorably upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 1, 1967 – July 31, 1970
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-449 (June 16, 1970)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General George Benjamin Greene, Jr. (AFSN: FR 0-1736/ASN: 0-22344), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Greene distinguished himself as Commander, Lackland Military Training Center, from 1 July 1967 to 31 July 1970. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Greene were significantly displayed in the successful procurement, training, and distribution of several hundred thousand Air Force military personnel. Through General Greene’s display of professional qualities, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts, the Lackland Military Training Center attained and maintained a reputation for exceptional success in the accomplishment of a most significant mission, and has contributed immeasurably to the defense of the United States and the Free World. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Greene culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
35th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
8th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
May 8, 1942
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 45 (March 6, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) George Benjamin Greene, Jr. (ASN: 0-1736/ASN: 0-22344), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces over Port Moresby, New Guinea, on 8 May 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Greene, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.