The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel James David Kula (AFSN: FR-3197003), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 028, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona, from 26 July 1996 to 30 June 1999. During this period, Colonel Kula commanded the sixth largest Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment of 143 in the nation and managed a scholarship budget close to 1 million dollars. Under Colonel Kula’s leadership, Detachment 028 commissioned the fifth largest number of second lieutenants in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Through his leadership and professional character, Colonel Kula led an extensive organizational improvement effort that resulted in an “Excellent” rating on the Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Inspector General Operational Readiness Inspection. As the National Advisor for the Arnold Air Society National Command Headquarters, Colonel Kula brought national attention to the university as well as to the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. Colonel Kula’s active involvement as an academic department chair stimulated vast improvements in university support and facility upgrades for the cadet program. Colonel Kula’s leadership has made significant and lasting contributions toward the growth of the university and cadet corps’ future. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Kula culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel James David Kula (AFSN: FR-3197003), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander and Commander, 39th Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, from 20 July 1992 to 2 August 1994. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Kula were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. A forward thinker, he made hub support a reality in Turkey for over 9,000 United States Air Force personnel and at the same time supported one of the Air Forces’ largest combat operations, Operation PROVIDE COMFORT. Mission oriented, he identified critical shortcomings in our Personnel Reliability Program and promptly made changes in key positions, garnering support from the lowest level to make Incirlik “normal” nuclear surety and weapons training program among the best. His keen insight and clear understanding of the human resource element in mission accomplishment ensured equal understanding of the human resource element in mission accomplishment ensured equal standards of conduct for all personnel: social actions indicators were cut in half. A stunning accomplishment considering Incirlik has nearly 2,000 multi-national forces on temporary duty; 1,200 of whom live in tents. His leadership, expertise, insight innovations guided the 39th Wing through many challenges, producing successes that will benefit the United States Air Force in Turkey for years. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Kula reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.