The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, 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 Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from October 2001 to September 2007. He provided military advice to the President, Secretary of Defense, Homeland Security Council, and National Security Council during an unprecedented period in United States national security affairs. In consultation with national leaders, he oversaw multiple and often simultaneous joint and combined military operations in the War on Terrorism, setting more than 50 million people in Iraq and Afghanistan on a path to freedom. As Vice Chairman, he chaired the Joint Requirements Oversight Council which became the principal forum for senior military leaders to address warfighting requirements from a joint perspective. As Chairman, General Pace spearheaded reforms to improve the processes for assigning U.S. forces and mobilizing Reserves. He advocated major changes in the structure and responsibilities of the combatant commands, and was devoted to improving the quality of life for Service members. He played a critical role in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review effectively reorienting military capabilities over the next 20 years, and he oversaw Herculean efforts by the Armed Forces to provide humanitarian relief abroad and at home. General Pace’s achievements in fighting global terrorism, improving joint warfighting, and transforming the military are emblematic of 40-years of selfless service. The distinctive accomplishments of General Pace culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
October 14, 1993 – March 23, 1994
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in awarding the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps for exceptionally superior service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, from 14 October 1993 to 23 March 1994. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Pace reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
September 2005 – September 2007
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal to General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from September 2005 to September 2007. In this critical position, General Pace demonstrated exceptional leadership in support of worldwide military operations in the Global War on Terrorism and other military operations. General Pace was relentless in h is efforts to ensure seamless cooperation and coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security with regard to Coast Guard missions. General Pace successfully improved joint capabilities and competencies, strengthening the nation’s overall ability to combat terrorism abroad while protecting the safety and security of American citizens closer to home. General Pace instituted vital new mechanisms established to support the Armed Forces in the conduct of homeland defense missions while supporting homeland security missions as major combat operations continued in the Middle East. General Pace was responsible for re-introducing Coast Guard Port Security Units into the joint deployment schedule for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, greatly expanding the Coast Guard’s support for these operations while ensuring Combatant Commanders have access to specialized Coast Guard capabilities and platforms. General Pace championed efforts focused on revising the 1995 Department of Defense/Department of Transportation Memorandum of Agreement (Use of USCG Capabilities and Resources in Support of the National Strategy) to reflect new roles and responsibilities of the Coast Guard within the Department of Homeland Security. His unwavering support for America’s fighting men and women deployed all over the world has significantly contributed to the readiness of our military Services and improved the quality of life of our service members and their families. General Pace’s extraordinary personal leadership and commitment have been instrumental in ensuring the Coast Guard continues to fill a vital role in the national security of the United States. General Pace’s leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
October 2001 – September 2007
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in duties of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2001 through September 2007. Demonstrating superb leadership during this intensive period of worldwide military operations, General Pace vigorously supported the Nation’s highest priorities of defending the homeland and winning the Global War on Terrorism. He ensured strong Joint Force collaboration during combat operations, setting the conditions for success in Operations NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. General Pace fostered unity of effort between the Combatant Commanders and the Services, which resulted in the implementation of numerous initiatives that were critical to the success of the Armed Forces and enhanced the capabilities of front line personnel. He ensured the Navy and Marine Corps were fully supported and effectively utilized during critical combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and other major operations around the world. Leaving an enduring legacy, General Pace increased Joint Force survivability, effectiveness, cooperation, and readiness, and ensured the combat supremacy of the future Navy, Marine Corps and Joint Force. His superior performance of duties highlights the culmination of 40 years of honorable and dedicated service. General Pace’s wise judgment, superior leadership and deep devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 1994 – June 1996
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally distinguished service as Deputy Commander, and as Chief of Staff, United States Forces, Japan, from July 1994 to June 1996. General Pace’s influence with key Japanese leaders was directly responsible for enhancing United States-Japan defense cooperation, improving bilateral planning, and furthering mutual understanding and trust during a particularly turbulent time. He was the driving force in the coordination and execution of a series of burden sharing agreements which became the worldwide standard. His dynamic efforts were the catalyst in jump-starting negotiations for an Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa which aggressively worked to develop recommendations for the Security Consultative Committee on ways to consolidate, realign and reduce United States facilities and areas in Okinawa. The distinctive accomplishments of General Pace reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
July 1996 – November 1997
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally distinguished service as Director for Operations, Joint Staff, from July 1996 to November 1997. During this period of unprecedented world change and high operational tempo, General Pace ensured the Operations Directorate was a highly effective resource of the National Command Authorities. His outstanding leadership was a key element of the Department of Defense effort to execute varied and difficult operations worldwide. Particularly preeminent were his flexible, innovative responses to unforeseen military contingencies and crisis, ethnic conflicts, peacemaking operations, and refugee migrations during Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, NORTHERN WATCH, JOINT ENDEAVOR, JOINT GUARD, DELIBERATE GUARD, DETERMINED GUARD, GUARDIAN ASSISTANCE, GUARDIAN RETRIEVAL, MARATHON ATLANTIC, MARATHON PACIFIC, PACIFIC HAVEN, DESERT FOCUS, DESERT STRIKE, LASER STRIKE, VIGILANT SENTINEL, ABLE SENTRY, SAFE BORDER, GUARDIAN RETRIEVAL, NOBLE OBELISK, ASSURED LIFT, PROVIDE PROMISE, PROVIDE COMFORT, and FULL ACCOUNTING. Most recently his efforts to deter and, if necessary, to respond to further Iraqi aggression were highly effective. His dynamic and caring leadership, focused direction, and personal involvement to ensure strong cohesion between the Unified Command Operations Directors during this remarkably active period, ensured outstanding support to the National Command Authorities, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the unified commanders. The distinctive accomplishments of General Pace reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
September 2000 – September 2001
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, 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 Commander in Chief, United States Southern Command, from September 2000 to September 2001. General Pace’s bold and visionary leadership, superb diplomatic skill, enormous personal energy, and unrelenting pursuit of the national security strategy in the United States Southern Command area of responsibility helped safeguard our nation’s security. General Pace skillfully guided the United States Southern Command in achieving the vital national security objectives of strengthening democratic institutions and governance, enhancing civilian control of military institutions throughout the hemisphere, and improving multilateral relations among the 32 nations within the theater. Concurrently General Pace energized the interagency effort to counter the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States and refocused the theater engagement strategy to optimally position U.S. Southern Command to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. By both direction and personal example, he set the highest standards of self-discipline, initiative, and dedication to excellence in every task. The distinctive accomplishments of General Pace reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
September 30, 2005 – September 30, 2007
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 General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Pace distinguished himself as the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia from 30 September 2005 to 30 September 2007. During this challenging period in American history, as our nation’s highest ranking military officer, General Pace provided military advice to the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council on a wide range of complex military and national security issues. His extraordinary leadership, vision, and commitment to warfighting excellence ensured the United States Air Force remained the most effective and respected Air Force in the world. General Pace tirelessly advocated for the formation of United States Africa Command, an innovative interagency unified command charged with aiding the people of Africa and promoting security and stability. Additionally, his close work with Congress produced the Building Global Partnerships Act of 2007, strengthening America’s international presence and national power to deter and defeat our nation’s enemies. He also drove the development of the National Military Strategy for Cyberspace Operations, buttressing the defense of nationally critical infrastructure against asymmetric threats in the information age. Through his collaborative efforts with the Department of the Air Force, he ensured our nation’s land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace forces provided unparalleled military capability to deter, dissuade, and defeat our enemies. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Pace culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 1988 – July 1991
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. and Director, Marine Corps Institute from August 1988 through July 1991. Colonel Pace’s command performed with an unfailing level of professionalism and excellence. From Presidential ceremonies for foreign Heads of State, to funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, Tuesday Sunset, and Friday Evening Parades, and the deployment of 161 Marines in Support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, he took an active role in developing Marines to their full potential. A bold leader, Colonel Pace formulated and executed the new Barracks mission statement of a Light Infantry Battalion. In less than six months, he conducted battalion level field operations and deployed a reinforced infantry company to Saudi Arabia which provided security for the SECOND Marine Division Command Post during Operation DESERT STORM and the liberation of Kuwait City. Colonel Pace’s unfailing concern for the welfare of his men led him to institute numerous positive programs in education, intramural sports, and facilities renovation. In his collateral duty, Colonel Pace initiated a series of changes which not only resulted in more courses being produced, but also streamlines course grading and administrative procedures. His foresight for the needs of the Fleet Marine Force was also in evidence in the production of the Battle Drill Guide, The Marine Battle Skill Training and Essential Subjects Handbooks, Professional Military Education (PME) Courses to support the Commandant’s PME Program, and the development and immediate shipment of Southwest Asia courses to Saudi Arabia. Colonel Pace’s complete loyalty, unyielding commitment to excellence, and unending devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
GeneralAction Date:
October 1, 2005 – September 30, 2007
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this position, he displayed exemplary qualities of leadership, ability, and strategic foresight, marking him as a driving force in the successes achieved by the United States Armed Forces during the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout this challenging period in our history, he served as the primary advisor to our national leaders on a wide range of complex military and national security issues, and played a central role in our Nation’s defenses while devoting himself to the well-being of the Soldiers of the United States Armed Forces. His Military Strategic Risk Assessment provided the Nation’s plan for the protection of the homeland, preventing conflict and helping to prevail over our enemies. His emphasis on winning the Global War on Terrorism, accelerating Transformation, strengthening Joint warfighting abilities, and improving the quality of life for our Soldiers and their families greatly enhanced the capabilities of the Army. Through his distinctive accomplishments, General Pace culminated a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, which reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.