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 Major General David W. Forgan (AFSN: FR-54314), 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 Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations Division, Headquarters, Allied Forces Central Europe from November 1982 to July 1985. General Forgan’s rapid grasp of Central region capabilities, issues and problems led to a series of highly successful achievements that significantly improved the defense posture of this key area within Allied Command Europe. The implementation of land and air programs and plans, increased liaison and cooperation with the French, and progress in such diverse and sensitive areas as Alert Procedures and Deployment, Electronic Warfare, Barrier Planning, and employment of Nuclear Weapons, were directly attributable to his dynamic leadership, foresight and professional abilities. The distinctive accomplishments of Major General Forgan reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.