Ellis holds certificate standing up with leadership.

Photo by Todd Cramer, Ohio National Guard

Retired Maj. Gen. Gordon L. Ellis (center) receives the Distinguished Service Medal from Maj. Gen. Tim Thombleson (left), commanding general of the 38th Infantry Division, and Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Ohio adjutant general, during an award ceremony April 16, 2021, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Ellis retired earlier this year after more than three decades in the Army National Guard, most recently as commanding general of the 38th ID prior to Thombleson.

Video by Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Retired Maj. Gen. Ellis receives Distinguished Service Medal for nearly 40-year Army career

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Vega, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (04/16/21)

For nearly 40 years of military service, recently retired Maj. Gen. Gordon L. Ellis was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal during a ceremony April 16 at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory. The event at the Ohio National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) was hosted by Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general.

“Division command is the epitome of leadership in the National Guard, and Gordon Ellis has excelled in this position."

“Division command is the epitome of leadership in the National Guard, and Gordon Ellis has excelled in this position,” Harris said.

Ellis received the award for exceptional meritorious service throughout his career, culminating in the position of commanding general of the 38th Infantry Division, based in Indianapolis. Throughout his career, Ellis served in multiple roles, including branch chief and director of the Ohio National Guard Human Resources Office at JFHQ; deputy commander of the Ohio Army National Guard’s 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), based in Columbus; and 38th ID deputy commanding general for sustainment.

During his career, Ellis also took part in multiple overseas assignments, which included command of the 37th IBCT during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, as well as command of 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment during Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo.

“The hard work and dedication of the Soldiers assigned to the 38th Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion contributed to me receiving this award,” Ellis said. “When I look at an award of this type, I think of all those under my command who worked so diligently. It’s a reflection of their efforts.”

While Ellis’ military service has drawn to a close, his plan for the immediate future is to continue providing service to his community as sheriff of Brown County, in Southwestern Ohio.