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 Major General Richard N. Goddard, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Goddard distinguished himself as Commander, 27th Fighter Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and as Director of Logistics, Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from 28 June 1992 to 31 January 1995. As commander of the largest fighter wing in the United States Air Force, his outstanding leadership kept readiness at peak levels while the unit underwent major organizational changes and the replacement of its aircraft inventory of 80 F-111D/Gs with 105 F-111E/F and EF-11A aircraft. As Director of Logistics, his extraordinary leadership proved essential in the successful reshaping of the command during one of the most turbulent times in command history. He ensured effective logistics support despite dramatic force structure changes and a fast-paced operations tempo primarily caused by participation in various contingencies having international significance. He not only skillfully led the logistics support for the command, but he also expertly managed the diverse responsibilities of civil engineering, security police, and communications during a 10-month reorganization of the command staff. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Goddard reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Major General Richard N. Goddard, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Goddard distinguished himself as Commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, from 13 November 1997 to 29 February 2000. In this important assignment, General Goddard’s outstanding achievements and dynamic leadership resulted in significant and lasting improvements to the Air Force’s acquisition and logistics processes. General Goddard has committed this center to excellence in delivering benchmark products, services and programs focused on providing combat ready airpower–anytime, anywhere. Warner Robins Air Logistics Center leads the command in providing supply/maintenance support and personnel for Aircraft Repair Enhancement Program development and implementation. His stalwart guidance is responsible for the complete turnaround in C-130 depot maintenance delivery and quality as proven in fiscal year 1999, the best production year for the decade. General Goddard maintained steadfast focus and met the intricacies of C-5 programmed depot maintenance head-on, as the first aircraft was delivered in a record 161 days, one day ahead of schedule. His expert management and indispensable leadership brought about a resounding “Excellent” rating from Air Force materiel Command Inspector General during a Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection. This rating was not fluke and was further underscored as Warner Robins Air Logistics Center rose to the challenges of Kosovo and surpassed the demands of the warfighter. Accolades abounded from deployed troops and commanders as well as the Air Force Chief of Staff. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Goddard 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.