The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Francis H. Griswold (ASN: 0-17959/A), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility in the important assignment of Chief of Staff of the 2d Bombardment Division, later the 2d Air Division, from October 1944 to May 1945. Assuming his duties when the division, with the recent addition of a fighter wing, was about to start an extremely difficult winter campaign which was to climax its strategic bombing operations, he brought wide experience, great administrative ability, technical and tactical skill of a high order and keen foresight to his new task. He quickly established a smoothly functioning staff organization, and, while emphasizing coordination between all elements of the command, gave close attention to every phase of operations, both on the ground and in the air. As he raised operational standards, he maintained high morale and discipline among the division’s personnel. The outstanding capacity for organization, enthusiasm, energy, sound judgment and professional skill displayed by Brigadier General Griswold contributed much to the highly successful operations of the 2d Air Division in the destruction of Germany’s war-making potential. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Griswold and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.