The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Armor) Raoul Henri Alcala, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 23 June 1987 to June 1991. During this period, Colonel Alcala served as the Chief of the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Assessments and Initiatives Group. In this capacity, he was the focal point for the development, integration, and coordination of critical issues and programs across the entire spectrum of Army activities. He also became one of the closest and most trusted advisers to the Chief of Staff, providing him with timely and incisive analysis on issues of central importance to the Army and the nation. A principal architect of the chief of Staff’s White Paper, Colonel Alcala was instrumental in the refinement and articulation of the Army’s vision for the future, as well as for the pragmatic plan that gave that vision life. Throughout this assignment, and indeed throughout his career, Colonel Acala’s brilliance and herculean capacity for work have made him a key figure in the United States Army, and one whose legacy will be visible well into the next century. Colonel Alcala’s three decades of selfless service and his monumental accomplishments as a leader and staff officer have been in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United States Army.