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 Orvil Arson Anderson (AFSN: 32A/ASN: 0-11479), 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 a member of the Staff of the Commanding General, Army Air Forces, during World War II. During this period he displayed exceptional ability and a high degree of professional knowledge in planning and guiding the tremendous expansion of the United States Army air Forces. He contributed materially to the efficient planning, scheduling, and control of programs for the attainment of the mission of the Army Air Forces and the translating of such programs into overall plans for execution. General Anderson’s intelligent appraisal of the requirements of the changing situation, his keen foresight, sound judgment, and indefatigable zeal to accomplish an assignment of tremendous importance in the shortest possible time reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Orvil Arson Anderson (AFSN: 32A/ASN: 0-11479), 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 Deputy Commander for Operations, EIGHTH Air Force, from June 1944 to April 1945. Displaying rare professional skill, General Anderson planned and supervised the operations of the Air Force during the crucial period when its mission was to maintain air superiority and supremacy over the German Air Force while simultaneously continuing the basic mission of destroying the enemy production and transportation facilities so vital to the German war machine all of which activities were designated to make possible successful ground operations with a minimum of loss. He coordinated and carefully timed the attacks against enemy airfields within striking distance of the front to cover the Allied armies crossing the Rhine, and by close cooperation with the Royal Air Force and the United States NINTH Air Force, sealed off the Ruhr by the destruction of enemy railroad bridges. The ability, foresight and astute judgment displayed by General Anderson contributed materially to the successful outcome of the campaign. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Anderson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.