Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Francis James Almeter (AFSN: FR-58181), United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service as Director, Quality Assurance Directorate, Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center, St. Louis Air Force Station, Missouri, from July 1983 to July 1985. Colonel Almeter’s strong and effective leadership, creating management skills and superior levels of performance contributed to the revitalization of a Quality Program throughout the Aerospace Center and the expansion of the product feedback program to obtain additional information about the quality of distributed cartographic products. His outstanding efforts resulted in the successful establishment of a new Directorate and the implementation of new management techniques throughout the Aerospace Center. He initiated improvements in quality auditing that greatly reduced systematic problems and purified final cartographic products being utilized to support advanced weapons systems. Other projects he directed will ensure that quality is integrated into the efforts of the Defense Mapping Agency Special Project Office for Exploitation Modernization. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Almeter culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.