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 General Joseph William Ashy, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Ashy distinguished himself as Commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from 10 September 1994 to 30 September 1996. During this period, General Ashy’s decisive leadership, dynamic managerial skill, and keen operational insight, were key to the successful accomplishment of all the missions assigned to Air Force Space Command in support of America’s military and national space programs. His ceaseless efforts to normalize and operationalize space forces within the Department of Defense and within the defense forces of our international allies made space support routine and reliable to global land, air and sea forces. His unbending commitment to future space operations led to greatly increased military cooperation with civilian space efforts and paved the way for routine, reliable, and affordable space launch capabilities key to assuring America’s future access to space. General Ashy’s selfless devotion to duty armed Air Force Space Command and the Department of Defense with the proper doctrine, policies, and forces to assure America’s leadership in every facet of space operations well into the 21st Century. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ashy culminated a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Joseph William Ashy, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Ashy distinguished himself as Inspector General, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans, Headquarters, Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, from 1 September 1986 to 10 June 1988. During this period, General Ashy’s dynamic leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts significantly enhanced the United States Air Force’s abilities, concepts, policies, and doctrine for the employment of tactical air power. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ashy reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.