The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Miller Charles, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Colonel Charles distinguished himself as Commander, 320th Bombardment Wing, Mather Air Force Base, California, from 31 August 1977 to 13 March 1979. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Charles were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Charles reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 25, 1975 – July 31, 1977
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-606 (July 29, 1977)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Miller Charles, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Chief, Operations Division and Deputy Director of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Headquarters Strategic Air Command and as Executive Officer to the Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command/Director of Strategic Target Planning, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, from 25 July 1975 to 31 July 1977. In these important assignments, he consistently exemplified the highest standards of professional excellence in organizational and strategic thought, in the written and spoken word, and in management skills and outstanding leadership qualities, making numerous contributions to the effectiveness of the mission of the Strategic Air Command and the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff in matters of great national significance. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Charles reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
September 14, 1985 – September 30, 1986
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 Major General William Miller Charles, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Charles distinguished himself as Chief of Staff, Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Heidelberg, Germany, from 14 September 1985 to 30 September 1986. In this important assignment, his leadership, dedication, tireless efforts and superior managerial ability significantly enhanced the operational capabilities and readiness of our air forces. General Charles’ performance throughout this period had been characterized by decisiveness, resourcefulness, professional excellence and unquestionable personal integrity. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Charles 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.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
April 1, 1979 – November 30, 1982
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-759 (December 31, 1982)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 William Miller Charles, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Charles distinguished himself as Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans, Headquarters Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, from 1 April 1979 to 30 November 1982. In this important assignment, General Charles redefined, restructured, and expanded Air Training Command’s role in support of Air Force global readiness commitments and established the direction and character of the Undergraduate Pilot Training program for the remainder of this century. The outstanding results of this sensitive planning effort are a testimonial to the individual interest, depth, and guidance provided by General Charles. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Charles reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.