The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Welborn Griffin Dolvin (ASN: 0-21980), United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service to the Government in positions of great responsibility during the period March 1970 to March 1972. While serving as the Chief of Staff, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and as Commanding General XXIV Corps. As Chief of Staff, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, he was required to deal with rapidly changing mission priorities inherent in the Vietnamization of all combat activities. The formulation of solutions to unprecedented problems in the areas of force structure, logistical support, operational plans, and redeployment of United States forces were testimony to his leadership, innovation, sound judgment and selfless dedication to duty. The Vietnamization program required extensive efforts to improve the total capabilities of the Vietnamese Armed Forces at a time when the United States combat forces were being deployed from the Republic of Vietnam. Under his exceptional leadership and direction, these diverse programs were successfully achieved. As Commanding General, XXIV Corps, he drew upon his leadership and professional experience to enhance the military capabilities of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam I Corps while meeting both the United States and the Government of Vietnam pacification goals. He directed the military operations of the XXIV Corps combat force and ably allocated the forces so as to provide the best support to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in Military Region I. In his role of Senior Advisor to the Commanding General, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, I Corps, he demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of leadership, technical competence, and diplomacy in the successful accomplishment of his assigned responsibilities. His keen insight, patience, and deep personal empathy with the Vietnamese people have immeasurably enhanced the Government of Vietnam’s pacification program. He brought all available resources to bear in a highly effective and efficient manner to solve problems in the military and socio-economic areas. General Dolvin’s outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit on himself and the United States Army.

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 Major General Welborn Griffin Dolvin (ASN: 0-21980), United States Army, for eminently meritorious service from August 1963 to September 1966, while serving in positions of great responsibility as the United States Program Manager and the United States Army Project Manager of the United States/Federal Republic of Germany Main Battle Tank Development Project, Headquarters, United States Army Materiel Command, Washington, D.C. In this dual role, General Dolvin displayed dynamic leadership in directing the United States/Federal Republic of Germany Main battle Tank-70 Program through the initial organizational and management phases, through the joint concept selection stage, and through the design cycle to its release for the pilot building of the weapons system. He contributed materially to the formulation of doctrine and design for the use of a weapons system that can survive on all terrains and in all atmospheric conditions. His achievements were of major importance to the long-range strategic and tactical planning of the armed forces and to the United States defense effort. Through his sound judgment and comprehensive guidance, he also played a foremost role in developing the mutual industrial productive capability in the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany which established the foundation to attract similar participation by other allied nations. His success in creating a viable international management model for other United States materiel programs insured the progress of the National economy program by providing a means to reduce costs in research and development, production, supply and maintenance for all countries concerned. General Dolvin’s distinguished performance of duty and outstanding achievements throughout this period are in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.

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 Welborn Griffin Dolvin (ASN: 0-21980), United States Army, for eminently meritorious service in consecutive positions of great responsibility as Commanding General, 3d Armored Division, and as Chief of Staff, Central Army Group, and Commanding General, United States Army Element, Central Army Group, from October 1966 to January 1970. Displaying outstanding qualities of leadership and determination, General Dolvin was responsible for making significant improvements in the preparedness of the 3d Armored Division during a demanding tour of duty. He introduced new concepts of training and testing which enhanced the realism and effectiveness of field and command post exercises, and achieved an outstanding state of combat readiness throughout the division despite the challenge of severe personnel turbulence. General Dolvin’s thorough understanding of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) objectives was evident in the guidance and direction which he provided as the Chief of Staff, Central Army Group and Commanding General, United States Army Element, Central Army Group. Numerous plans and studies were developed under his supervision, and his skill, tact and diplomacy in presenting and negotiating those studies at high-level, multi-national conferences were instrumental in enabling Central Army Group to better perform its vital mission. He reorganized Central Army Group to enable the headquarters to more effectively direct the NATO forces under Central Army Group control, and reorganized United States Army Element, Central Army Group to insure maximum support and efficiency. In promoting the welfare of assigned personnel, in evaluating mission preparedness, and in the testing of NATO war contingency plans through participation in NATO exercises, General Dolvin brought to the command high standards and a strength of purpose which contributed greatly to the maintenance of the defenses of the free world. General Dolvin’s distinguished performance of duty in especially challenging assignments has been in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.