(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal to General Michael Edward Ryan, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from October 1997 to September 2001. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ryan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.