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 Lieutenant Colonel William Alison Anders (AFSN: FR-27158), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Colonel Anders distinguished himself as Astronaut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas, from 21 December 1968 to 27 December 1968. During this period, Colonel Anders served as Pilot of the Apollo 8 Spacecraft making man’s first lunar orbiting flight. Ten orbits of the moon were successfully accomplished while conducting navigation and photographic investigations which revealed facts never before known to man. This dramatic flight was the first time that man has safely flown over 25,000 miles per hour and orbited the moon at a distance of 234,087 statute miles from earth. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Anders reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 15, 1986 – November 3, 1988
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 William Alison Anders (AFSN: FR-27158), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Anders distinguished himself as Mobilization Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 15 August 1986 to 3 November 1988. During this period, the forceful leadership of General Anders was instrumental in guiding a study on the impact of Department of Defense regulation changes on competitiveness within the industrial base. This effort was personally used by the Secretary of the Air Force to shape his thinking and policy on this important issue. General Anders also provided the Secretary of the Air Force exceptional advice on the role of space in the United States Air Force, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Defense. These contributions have enhanced the ability of the Air force to perform its vital wartime mission in space. General Anders has served as the personal advisor to the Secretary on the development of an Air force space policy which will have long lasting impact on the future of the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Anders 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.