(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 1953 to 1955. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Burns and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Lieutenant General Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Chairman, Inter-American Defense Board, Washington, D.C.; with concurrent duty as Senior Air Force Member, Military Staff Committee, United Nations, from 1961 to 1963. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Burns and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.