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 William B. Davitte, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Davitte distinguished himself as Deputy Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 7 February 1996 to 31 March 1997. During this period, General Davitte’s outstanding achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in significant improvements in the Air Force Inspector General function. His refinement of the newly established Senior Officials Inquiries Directorate resulted in the efficient management of investigations involving Air Force general officers and senior civilian. General Davitte directed and promoted the extensive use of computers and automation tools to track investigations and complaint processing events, which allowed delays in processing to be quickly identified and improved. As a result, high caliber investigations were produced in half the time previously required. Following the tragic loss of Air Force personnel in a bombing in Southwest Asia, General Davitte garnered Air Staff support for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ Counterintelligence and Special Investigations Task Force Protection initiatives. His visionary leadership directly resulted in the development of the first rapid deployable Air Force Antiterrorism Specialty Team, and enhanced on-the-ground counterintelligence support for forces deployed throughout the world. His uncompromising and unwavering leadership steered a clear and steady course for the critical mission of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, in light of highly publicized criminal, fraud, and counterintelligence investigations which claimed national attention, pressure and demands from countless civilian legal professionals, and time-sensitive inquiries by Congress. He unfailingly and unequivocally ensured professional, impartial investigations which directly contributed to personnel and resources readiness in support of the Air Force wartime mission. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Davitte 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.