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 Lieutenant General Kenneth E. Eickmann, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Eickmann distinguished himself as Commander, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; and as Commander, Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 10 June 1994 to 31 May 1998. During this period, General Eickmann led the largest military-industrial complex in the Department of Defense and quickly mobilized Air Force personnel, equipment, and facilities in response to the worst terrorist attack ever committed on American soil, the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. His leadership was central to the recovery of Oklahoma City in the aftermath of that national tragedy. General Eickmann also established the Aeronautical Systems Center as the Air Force Center of Excellence for aeronautical systems. His leadership catalyzed many material improvements to aeronautical systems, including streamline acquisition processes, that will yield major benefits for the United States and international aeronautical communities. Through unparalleled leadership and a profound regard for others, General Eickmann has built a lasting legacy of leadership for the Air Force and the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Eickmann 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.

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 Major General Kenneth E. Eickmann, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Eickmann distinguished himself as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Headquarters PACIFIC Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; as Chief of Staff, Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command; as Chief of Staff/Staff Director and Director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 22 July 1990 to 9 June 1994. During this period, General Eickmann’s dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in a significant increase in the combat readiness of the PACIFIC Air Forces. Under his direction, the command logisticians provided superb support to Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM and Operation FIERY VIGIL. As the Director of Logistics he made dramatic changes to major logistics processes needed to maintain critical mission support at reduced funding levels. His tremendous breadth and depth of experience and his people-oriented approach have made him particularly effective. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Eickmann reflect highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.