The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General James Alan Abrahamson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Abrahamson distinguished himself as F-16 Program Director by leading an intense activity from 1 August 1977 to 6 January 1979, culminating in the successful activation of the first United States Air Force multi-mission F-16 fighter squadron precisely on time, just 45 months after the start of the full-scale development program. This significant event is the first visible step in deploying this superior weapon system to the Air Force of the United States, four European Participating Governments, and other allied nations. General Abrahamson skillfully managed an exceedingly complex domestic and European co-production program and a precedent setting rate of production buildup concurrently with the preparation for the operation and support of this first unit. His innovative approaches to North Atlantic Treaty Organization partnership, co-production, support planning, currency management, and many other subtle difficulties have made the F-16 Program a uniquely successful venture which will shape the military capability of the free world for years to come. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Abrahamson reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General James Alan Abrahamson, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Abrahamson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General James Alan Abrahamson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Abrahamson reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General James Alan Abrahamson, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Abrahamson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
November 1987 – January 1989
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General James Alan Abrahamson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Director, Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, from November 1987 to January 1989. With clear resolve and intense personal dedication, General Abrahamson grasped President Reagan’s vision of a world made safe from the threat of nuclear armed ballistic missiles and translated that vision into a well-defined program of national strategy, sound international negotiations, and robust technology advancement. Under his leadership, the United States has charted a path away from a precarious nuclear impasse and toward a stable, resilient, non-nuclear defense. The significance of his contributions will endure for years and form a solid basis for eliminating the terrible threat posed by ballistic missiles. General Abrahamson’s accomplishments can already be measured by the new willingness of the Soviets to enter into serious nuclear arms reduction talks. This award accentuates an extraordinary career spanning 33 years of unsurpassed military professionalism and dedication to the ideals of this nation. No accolade can adequately measure General Abrahamson’s lasting contributions to national defense. His leadership is legendary; his vision, broad; and his devotion, unlimited. The security of the United States of America and its Allies will be long served by the immense accomplishments of General Abrahamson. The distinctive accomplishments of General Abrahamson culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General James Alan Abrahamson, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Abrahamson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.