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 Captain James E. Stahlman, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Assistant Director of Operations, Operations Directorate, United States Central Command (U.S. Central Command), MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, from January 2003 to February 2006. As Assistant Director of Operations, Captain Stahlman displayed outstanding leadership and selfless commitment to service during this historical time in the fight against the War on Terrorism. Captain Stahlman was instrumental in helping senior leadership frame objectives and guide actions used to plan and execute Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. His mastery of technology and unmatched organizational skills significantly improved the situational awareness for the entire U.S. Central Command staff. He was the linchpin for executing the mission from both the main headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and the forward headquarters in Qutar, ensuring the commander was always informed an in sync with forces in the field and the highest levels of Government in the United States. His diplomatic skills were integral to the success of the U.S. Central Command Operations Plans Coordination Cell in Baghdad, Iraq, which he was hand-selected to lead. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Stahlman reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Naval Reserve, and the Department of Defense.