(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 (Army Design) to Major General Merrill Davis Burnside (AFSN: 495A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Deputy Director, and subsequently as Director, Maintenance Engineering, of the Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 1954 to 1956. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Burnside culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.