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 James Alan Abrahamson, 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. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Abrahamson reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General James Alan Abrahamson, 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 Director, Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, from November 1987 to January 1989. With clear resolve and intense personal dedication, General Abrahamson grasped President Reagan’s vision of a world made safe from the threat of nuclear armed ballistic missiles and translated that vision into a well-defined program of national strategy, sound international negotiations, and robust technology advancement. Under his leadership, the United States has charted a path away from a precarious nuclear impasse and toward a stable, resilient, non-nuclear defense. The significance of his contributions will endure for years and form a solid basis for eliminating the terrible threat posed by ballistic missiles. General Abrahamson’s accomplishments can already be measured by the new willingness of the Soviets to enter into serious nuclear arms reduction talks. This award accentuates an extraordinary career spanning 33 years of unsurpassed military professionalism and dedication to the ideals of this nation. No accolade can adequately measure General Abrahamson’s lasting contributions to national defense. His leadership is legendary; his vision, broad; and his devotion, unlimited. The security of the United States of America and its Allies will be long served by the immense accomplishments of General Abrahamson. The distinctive accomplishments of General Abrahamson culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.