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 Major General Richard L. Engel, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Engel distinguished himself as Commander, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California, from 17 May 1993 to 24 July 1998. During this period, General Engel set the standard of excellence for leadership, dedication, integrity, loyalty, and service-before-self in every aspect of his assigned duties. General Engel’s initiative in exploring the concept of strategic alliances with various units and organizations was instrumental in the creation of Air Force Flight Test Center/National Aeronautics and Space Administration Dryden Flight Research Center alliance. This alliance alone has saved both organizations nearly 16 million dollars through Fiscal Year 1997. General Engel conducted and oversaw the combination of the 4950th Test Wing and the 412th Test Wing. The transfer involved the relocation of 26 multi-engine aircraft, 946 personnel and 80 active test programs at a cost of 70 million dollars. His leadership in the quality arena was the driving force in the Flight Test Center being selected for the 1997 Governor’s Golden State Quality Award for Excellence in the Workplace from the State of California. This was the first time the award had ever been given out to any federal organization and was one of only four awards given. Through his unparalleled leadership and a profound regard for others, General Engel has built a lasting legacy of leadership and excellence for the Air Force and the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Engel reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Richard L. Engel, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Engel and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 1998 – June 2000
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 Major General Richard L. Engel, 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 Commandant, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, from August 1998 to June 2000. General Engel brought a wealth of leadership, innovation, acquisition expertise and vision to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Through his superior leadership and clear commander’s intent, he improved the Industrial College of the Armed Forces’ mission, vision and role as the Nation’s premier institution that educates strategic thinkers versed in national security strategy and its resource foundation. Through General Engel’s personal leadership and dedication to process improvement, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces realigned the strategy, policies and allocation of resources to develop a world class curriculum, foster a world class outreach, and produce students who are recognized leaders in strategic decision making and formulating and resourcing the national strategy. General Engel’s leadership and expertise in command were recognized during the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Process for Accreditation of Joint Education Team re-certification visit during the month of February 2000. The PAJE Team’s final assessment reported the Industrial College of the Armed Forces’ Program of Joint Education as the best of the six senior service schools within the Department of Defense principally dedicated to Professional Military Education. General Engel’s personal initiatives and visionary leadership of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces will significantly influence the focus, quality and execution of our national security strategy for years to come. The distinctive accomplishments of General Engle culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Richard L. Engel, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with a Special Operations Wing, in action over Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1971. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Richard L. Engel, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with a Special Operations Wing, in action over Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1971. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Richard L. Engel, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with a Special Operations Wing, in action over Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1971. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.