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 Michael Anthony Vane, United States Army, 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 Vice Director, J8, Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 2005 to 2007. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Vane reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.