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 Lucius DuBignon Clay, Jr. (ASN: 0-8956A/0-25001), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commander, TWELFTH Air Force, Tactical Air Command, from 1 February 1966 to 17 July 1966, and Director of Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, from 18 July 1966 to 14 August 1967, and Director, Aerospace Programs, Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 15 August 1967 to 31 July 1968. In these important assignments, the outstanding professional knowledge, initiative, and foresight consistently demonstrated by General Clay resulted in the attainment of many national objectives which significantly advanced the military strength and readiness of the United States and contributed directly to the nation’s defense posture. His depth of understanding of the politics-military implications involved in relating aerospace power to national objectives, coupled with an extensive background in the formulation and articulation of policies, concepts, and doctrines enabled him to make significant contributions to the defense interest of the free world by the accomplishment of collateral actions of the most eminent and international significance. General Clay’s exceptional managerial ability has contributed to the successful management of the total worldwide Air Force resources. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Clay 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 a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General Lucius DuBignon Clay, Jr. (ASN: 0-8956A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. General Clay distinguished himself as Commander in Chief North American Air Defense Command/Continental Air Defense Command, and Commander, Aerospace Defense Command, from 1 October 1972 to 31 August 1975. In these important assignments, the forceful leadership and outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Clay were significantly displayed by the outstanding accomplishments of the forces under his command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Clay 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General Lucius DuBignon Clay, Jr. (AFSN: 0-8956A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. General Clay distinguished himself as Vice Commander in Chief, PACIFIC Air Forces, from 1 February 1970 to 31 August 1970, and as Deputy Commander, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, for Air Operations, and as Commander, SEVENTH Air Force, from 1 September 1970 to 31 July 1971. In these important positions, General Clay’s leadership, applied understanding of military doctrine and tactics, and astute guidance of the diverse in-theater air resources in the air interdiction campaign inflicted severe losses to the enemy’s logistical system, substantially reducing his ability to wage aggression in the Republic of Vietnam. General Clay’s enthusiastic support of the Vietnamese Air Force Improvement and Modernization Program resulted in an overall upgrading of Vietnamese combat capability, permitting a reduction in United States Forces, and contributing to the attainment of Free World objectives in Southeast Asia. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Clay 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Lucius DuBignon Clay, Jr. (ASN: 0-8956A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. General Clay distinguished himself as Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 1 August 1968 to 31 July 1969, and as Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 1 August 1969 to 31 January 1970. During this period, General Clay’s outstanding achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative were significant factors in the development of broad Air Force concepts, policies, and long-range objectives, and for justification of these before appropriate elements of the Department of Defense and other government agencies. His dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in the development and maintenance of an Aero-space Program fully responsive to the global requirements of the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Clay reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.