Colonel Gerald K. Griffin was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 24 June 1959, Class Number 1-59. His first duty assignment was as A Team Leader, 1st SFG (ABN), Okinawa. | His subsequent duty assignments include:  Special Forces Co, S-3, 6th SFG (ABN); Rifle Company Commander, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division; Battalion S-3, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division; Aide-de-Camp, MG Deputy, Commander 1st Infantry Division; Assistant Senior Army Instructor, Dallas Independent School District; Special Operations, Advisor,  USMACHTHAI/JUSMAGTHAI; Battalion Executive Officer 2/508th Infantry Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg; Division G-1, 2d ID, Republic of Korea; Battalion Commander, 2/503 Infantry Battalion, 101st, Fort Campbell; Commander, District Recruiting Command, Peoria, IL; Chief, Infantry Branch, CAD MILPERCEN; Chief, Personnel Actions/Professional Development, CAD MILPERCEN. | Military schools attended include: Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College, National War College. He is also a graduate of the University of Tampa with a Bachelors in History. | His awards and decorations include: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with V Device and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal and 15 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal.