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 Colonel (Air Corps) Donald Pierce Hall (ASN: 0-321890), 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 Southwest Pacific Area from January 1944 to June 1945. As Assistant Chief of Staff, A-3, and later as Chief of Staff of V Bomber Command, Colonel Hall played a significant part in the preparation, planning, and execution of bombardment operations which neutralized enemy air power and enemy bases from Hollandia to the Philippine Islands and which aided in subsequent Allied re-occupation of Dutch New Guinea, Palau, and the Philippines.; He integrated the operations of nine bombardment groups and personally participated in strike missions so that his invaluable combat experience could be utilized to perfect tactics and effect closer coordination. As Chief of Staff, a position which he assumed on 1 July 1944, he improved the administrative efficiency of V Bomber Command and continued to help direct its operational activities. One of his most important administrative innovations was the establishment of an effective policy of relief and return to the United States for bomber crews. The broad knowledge of bombardment tactics and techniques repeatedly demonstrated by Colonel Hall, his ready assumption of both combat and staff responsibilities, his outstanding professional ability, and his exemplary leadership were important factors in the success of Allied aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Area. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hall and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.