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 Lieutenant General Maxwell C. Bailey, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Bailey distinguished himself as Commander, Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida, from 1 August 1999 to 31 January 2002. In this important assignment, General Bailey’s extraordinary leadership and visionary direction postured the command to meet the challenges of the 21st century and protect vital interests around the world. Under General Bailey’s direction, the nearly 12,000 men and women of Special Operations Command supported worldwide operations including NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, NORTHERN and SOUTHERN WATCH, ATLAS RESPONSE, FIERY RELIEF, POSITIVE FORCE, and JOINT FORGE in addition to other humanitarian, peacekeeping and contingency operations that improved the lives of people around the world. Furthermore, General Bailey’s leadership enabled the command to adapt to several major changes in the acquisition and implementation schedule of the CV-22 Osprey weapon system. He ensures AFSOC developed and maintained a solid implementation plan, including the extension of the MH-53 Pavlow weapon system, ensuring Air Force Special Operations Command will remain mission ready during the transition. His visionary leadership led the command to integrate with the Air Force’s new Air Expeditionary Force concept, showcasing the command’s advantages to this concept by demonstrating its light, lethal, and rapid response to crisis situations worldwide. Under General Bailey’s direction, Air Force Special Operations Command produced the best mission capable and readiness rates in over 30 years. His mature guidance and vision, as well as his unique understanding of both special operations and conventional airpower application, helped lay the foundation that will successfully lead today’s Air Force well into the 21st Century. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Bailey 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.