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 A. Julian, United States Navy, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as an Action Officer; Branch Chief, Electronic Warfare and Command, Control, and Communications Countermeasures Division; and as Chief, Special Technical operations Division, Operations Directorate, the Joint Staff, from August 1981 to January 1990. In these highly responsible positions, he consistently displayed dynamic leadership and exceptional management ability. An officer of remarkable vision, he saw the need for a global Special Technical Operations capability, and I the short space of four years, turned an idea into an operational reality. The Special Technical Operations program has provided the President and the Secretary of Defense with a unique set of military options and has had a truly significant and positive impact on our Nation’s military capability – an impact that will continue to be felt for many years to come. In addition, through his unfailing efforts, the joint policy, funding, doctrine, and plans have been established to ensure the continued development of Special Technical Operations. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Julian culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.