The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Major General James Louwein Jamerson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) PROVEN FORCE, and as Deputy Commanding General, Operation PROVIDE COMFORT, United States European Command, West Germany, from December 1990 to October 1991. As Commander, General Jamerson demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision while forming, deploying, and directing employment of the 5,000 member JTF which conducted air, psychological, and special operations against Iraqi’s northern flank. Under his skillful guidance and supervision, this fully integrated force flew 4,595 sorties against heavily defended targets in Northern Iraq, inflicting significant damage without the combat loss of a single aircraft. He developed the plan of operation for the first airdrops of food and blankets within 36 hours of notification to deploy. He conducted on-site assessments and incorporated Special Operations and Air Forces into a comprehensive package of logistical and security measures. He completely incorporated the efforts of coalition nations who sent medical and security personnel and achieved unprecedented success in maintaining solidarity of purpose amidst wavering political odds. The distinctive accomplishments of General Jamerson reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General James Louwein Jamerson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States European Command (USEUCOM) from July 1995 to July 1998. General Jamerson masterfully guided the USEUCOM staff through the dramatic changes of an evolving post-Cold War world. His immense operational experience and insights enabled him to support the Commander in Chief by guiding and overseeing to the formation of an adaptable force structure designed to support the newly evolving peacetime engagement activities that placed the command at the forefront of United States security initiatives. USEUCOM’s Theater Strategy of Readiness and Engagement strengthened and accelerated a fundamental transformation in the European security environment, achieved unprecedented results in opening new avenues of national and regional cooperation and enhanced stability within the USEUCOM’s area of responsibility. His leadership, guidance and interaction with United States agencies and European allies were pivotal in the creation and implementation of the highly successful African Crisis Response Initiative. Through his untiring efforts, USEUCOM supported the national security objectives of the United States, as an integral part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as a crisis response force in Europe, Africa and the Middle East and as a unified command that can fight and win. The distinctive accomplishments of General Jamerson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.