The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Joseph William Ashy, United States Air Force, 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 Commander, Allied Air Forces Southern Europe, Naples, Italy, from December 1992 to July 1994. General Ash’s superb leadership was instrumental in improving readiness and crisis response capability of Southern Region air forces in the increasingly important Southern Region of Allied Command Europe. As air commander for Operation DENY FLIGHT, the enforcement of the no-fly-zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina, his leadership and in-depth understanding of air power doctrine led to solutions to many complex problems. His extensive personal interaction with military leaders of Southern Region nations fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust which formed a sound basis for continued progress. The distinctive accomplishments of General Ashy reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.