Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Brigadier General William Grover Hipps (ASN: 0-20787/1358A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from 19 July 1951 to 30 July 1955. As Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, General Hipps consistently displayed perceptive planning, analytical judgment and objective leadership, which were reflected in the successful presentations by the Secretary of vital matters pertaining to national and international programs of the Air Force. Under the exemplary administration of General Hipps, many functional realignments were effected within the Secretariat which relieved the Secretary, and other statutory appointees, of extraneous matters, permitting them to concentrate on broad planning and policy activities. His visionary foresight and outstanding initiative were instrumental in anticipating many requirements of an un-programmed nature, which resulted in significant contributions to the conduct of Air Force operations, both in this country and in the international sphere. General Hipps has made a notable contribution to national security. His outstanding service reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Strategic Air Command

    Action Date:

    1946 – 1948

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William Grover Hipps (ASN: 1358A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Strategic Air Command, from 1946 to 1948. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hipps and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    313th Air Division

    Division:

    Pacific Air Force

    Action Date:

    1955 – 1958

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General William Grover Hipps (ASN: 1358A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 313th Air Division, Pacific Air Force, from 1955 to 1958. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hipps and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    U.S. Air Force

    Action Date:

    1958 – 1961

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General William Grover Hipps (ASN: 1358A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, from 1958 to 1961. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hipps and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    14th Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 10 – 14, 1942

    Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 56 (December 11, 1942)

    (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 Cross to Major (Air Corps) William Grover Hipps (ASN: 0-20787/1358A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 14th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in bombing missions during the period 10 through 14 April 1942, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine islands. Major Hipps and his crew were engaged in a daring four-day mission under the command of Brigadier General Ralph Royce, who led a flight of seven B-25Cs and three B-17s from Australia to a staging field at Del Monte on Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. Over the following two days the B-25’s and B-17’s attacked the many ships and the docks at Cebu, the air and harbor facilities at Davao, and Nichols Field on Luzon. The B-25 Mitchell’s were involved in over twenty sorties. They sank one Japanese transport and possibly two others. They also shot down three Japanese aircraft. All but one of the aircraft returned to Australia without the loss of a single flyer, and they brought out a number of important military and diplomatic personnel who had gathered at Del Monte to await evacuation. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Hipps during this period have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    August 2, 1965 – April 30, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General William Grover Hipps (ASN: 1358A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command, from 2 August 1965 to 30 April 1967. Through his demonstrated leadership and outstanding managerial ability, General Hipps made lasting contributions to the capability of the Air Force and Department of Defense to logistically support their world-wide commitments to national defense in the most effective and economical manner. General Hipps’ achievements in this important assignment are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service and were important to the security of the United States and the free world. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hipps culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    War Department General Staff

    Action Date:

    1943 – 1945

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) William Grover Hipps (ASN: 1358A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the War Department General Staff from 1943 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Hipps and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.