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 Richard Allen Burpee, 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 the Director for Operations, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from January 1986 to January 1988. In this important and demanding position, he contributed directly to the development and execution of essential national policy decisions. Combining skilled leadership and sound judgment with extensive operational expertise, he directed the development of timely advice and courses of action for international crises such as the March-April 1986 Freedom of Navigation Challenges to illegal Libyan claims of territorial waters, the resulting bombing of selected Libyan targets, and the 1987 crises in the Persian Gulf including the U.S.S. STARK Incident, escort operations of American-flagged merchant ships, and numerous clashes with Iran. His innovative efforts in improving the worldwide strategic command and control systems will have a lasting impact on the security and survivability of the United States. His superb leadership in bringing about numerous changes in the Joint Chiefs of Staff structure during the Department of Defense reorganization will positively impact the organization for years. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Burpee reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
391st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
December 4, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-2116 (July 18, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Richard Allen Burpee, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-4C Aircraft of the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Forces. Major Burpee distinguished himself as Mission Commander on a night interdiction mission in Southeast Asia on 4 December 1967. On that date, Major Burpee led a flight of F-4C fighters and intercepted a truck convoy. In mountainous terrain and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Burpee made repeated low passes against a heavy concentration of defending anti-aircraft gunfire and completely destroyed the convoy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Burpee has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Richard Allen Burpee, 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 Burpee 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
391st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Richard Allen Burpee, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an F-4C Aircraft of the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia in 1967. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
391st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Richard Allen Burpee, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an F-4C Aircraft of the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia in 1967. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant GeneralDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
January 31, 1988 – February 28, 1990
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Richard Allen Burpee, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Burpee distinguished himself as Commander, Headquarters FIFTEENTH Air Force, March Air Force Base, California, from 31 January 1988 to 28 February 1990. In this important assignment, General Burpee’s forceful leadership and outstanding dedicated efforts resulted in substantial improvements to worldwide strategic readiness. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Burpee culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
April 23, 1975 – January 31, 1981
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 Brigadier General Richard Allen Burpee, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Burpee distinguished himself as Director of Training, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; Commander, 19th Air Division, Carswell Air Force Base, Texas; Inspector General, and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, from 23 April 1975 to 31 January 1981. During this period, General Burpee’s innovative and decisive leadership and significant accomplishments materially enhanced the ability of Strategic Air Command to support the strategic policy of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Burpee reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.