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.