Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Joseph E. Clarkson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service as Deputy for Security Assistance, Logistics and Security Assistance Directorate, Headquarters, United States European Command, from May 1981 to July 1985. The dynamism, tenacity and far-sightedness that Colonel Clarkson exhibited during this period directly resulted in significant and tangible improvement in all aspects of the command’s multi-billion dollar security assistance program. The challenges he successfully and adroitly handled ranged from an increased threat of terrorism to security assistance personnel to the rapid proliferation of security assistance programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Undeterred by the size or number of obstacles between him and successful accomplishment of the security assistance mission, Colonel Clarkson continually strove to improve the program and the quality of life of those personnel administering it, particularly those serving in the most isolated reaches of the theater. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Clarkson 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.