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 (Field Artillery) Charles Richard Rash, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from July 1989 to June 1999, while serving in command and staff positions of increasing responsibility, culminating with his assignment as Deputy Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Force Development, Headquarters, Department of the Army. Colonel Rash served his Nation with distinction in key Army leadership and staff positions. These include deploying his unit, 2d Battalion, 7th Field Artillery to Somalia as well as Hurricane Andrew relief efforts in Florida. More recently, he has been the driving force for modernization of Army Field Artillery, followed by the Deputy Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Force Development. Colonel Rash’s selfless service over three decades reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.