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 General Lew Allen, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Allen distinguished himself as Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, Washington, District of Columbia, from 1 July 1978 to 30 June 1982. Faced with immense responsibilities for safeguarding and maintaining a majority of the free world’s combat air forces, General Allen combined the rare attributes of technical expertise, professional stewardship, and inspiring leadership in directing the Air Force through four years of significant unabated progress. His overriding concern for the men and women in uniform led to significant compensation and quality of life improvements being enacted. His uncompromising pursuit of force modernization resulted in major decisions being rendered on programs designed to maintain our nation’s strategic deterrent posture. Through his leadership major strides were taken by the Air Force to improve the readiness and sustainability of our general purpose forces. Under his direction, our nation’s military airlift capability is being expanded to provide a marked increase ability to respond to worldwide threats to our vital interests and security. Further, General Allen’s highly refined sense of history and direction led the way to the establishment of the new Space Command and Space Technology Center to more sharply focus future Air Force involvement in space related research, development and operations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Allen 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.