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 Captain Robert L. Crippen, United States Navy, was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal 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 from 12 to 14 April 1981, as Commander of the space shuttle Columbia in the first orbital test flight of that space craft. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Crippen reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.