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 [then Colonel (Medical Corps)] Malcolm Cummings Grow (ASN: 0-9252), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Surgeon, EIGHTH Air Force, from May 1942 to January 1944. When General Grow was assigned to duty, without benefit of precedent he conceived, promptly initiated, and aggressively carried out a new medical plan for the conservation of fighting strength of combat crews. Through extensive study and research of conditions affecting the health and efficiency of air crews at high altitudes, he developed and placed in operation a device to protect gunners from wind blast; electrically heated clothing, gloves, boots, hand warmers, and casualty bags for the wounded; wind and fire resistant face and neck protectors, and a special combat ration for use on long bombing missions.. These innovations resulted in a marked decrease of frostbite cases and greatly increased the combat efficiency of the flight crews. To reduce loss of manpower from psychiatric failures in combat, General Grow’s recommendations for a system of passes and leaves for combat crews was instituted; rest homes for their exclusive use established, and special training given all medical officers in the tactical units. As a result, every casualty of this type was returned to duty. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Grow and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.