(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Welborn Griffin Dolvin
(0-21980), Major General, U.S. 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.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army
Distinguished Service Medal to Welborn Griffin Dolvin (0-21980), Major
General, U.S. 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.
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army
Distinguished Service Medal to Welborn Griffin Dolvin (0-21980),
Lieutenant General, U.S. 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 f 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.
(Fourth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Army
Distinguished Service Medal to Welborn Griffin Dolvin (0-21980),
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious service in
positions of high responsibility and trust from October 1966 to February
1975. During this period, which represents the capstone of an
illustrious and distinguished military career, spanning more than 35
years of active service, Lieutenant General Dolvin epitomized the high
traditions of the military profession and exemplified the best in
leadership, achievement, perceptive management, and concern for his
soldiers and fellow officers, serving successively as Commander, 3d
Armored Division, United States Army, Europe; Chief of Staff, Central
Army Group, North Atlantic Treaty Organization; in the Republic of
Vietnam as Chief of Staff, and Commander, XXIV Corps; and in Japan as
Commander, IX Corps and the United States Army, Japan. Lieutenant
General Dolvin's ability, direction, and accomplishments were
consistently recognized as outstanding, as was his ability to lead
persuasively and to develop and inspire his subordinates. Throughout the
period cited, and his entire career since graduation from the United
States Military Academy in 1939, Lieutenant General Dolvin brought honor
and distinction to the Army during a difficult and changing era in the
Nation's history. He has indeed earned the admiration of all with whom
he has associated and his achievements reflect the utmost credit upon
himself and the military service.
