The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Joseph J. Cappucci, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Cappucci distinguished himself as Director of Special Investigations, Office of the Inspector General, Headquarters, United States Air Force, and as Commander, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, from 2 September 1967 to 31 March 1972. In these demanding assignments, General Cappucci exercised exceptionally effective managerial skill, leadership, foresight, and initiative, enabling him to make incalculable contributions to the security of our Armed Forces and the strength of our Nation. His leadership gave impetus to a program which trained the personal security staffs of the heads of state of six friendly foreign nations. During this period, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations has provided Air Force commanders with superior criminal, counter-intelligence, and fraud investigative support, and has become the model for other military investigative agencies. His support of the effort in Southeast Asia through counter-intelligence and criminal investigative coverage was as effective as it was imaginable. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cappucci and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Brigadier General Joseph J. Cappucci, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director of Special Investigations, Office of the Inspector General, Headquarters United States Air Force, and as Commander, 1005th Special Investigations Group, from 8 June 1964 to 31 August 1967. In these important assignments General Cappucci’s exceptional managerial skill, leadership, foresight, and initiative have enabled him to provide invaluable contributions to the strength of our Armed Forces and the security of our nation. His profound knowledge and dedicated leadership were responsible for the formation of a highly effective counterespionage program in the United States Air Force. In conjunction with the Vietnamese Government, General Cappucci directed the establishment of an Area Source Program which develops advance information relative to attacks on air bases in Vietnam. His guidance and concern have produced a vastly more effective intelligence structure within the United States Air Force responsive to both peace and war. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cappucci and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.