Major General Joseph W. Griffin was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School in 1953. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Brigade Commander, Georgia National Guard, 48th Infantry Brigade, Brigade Commander, 118th Field Artillery Brigade, Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion, 121 Infantry; Company commander, D.C.O, 7th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. | His awards and decorations include: Army National Guard Recruiter Badge, Georgia Service Medal, Georgia Distinctive Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserved Metal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit.