Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Superior Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel William D. Houck, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Procurement Management Officer, Resource Management and Logistics Directorate, Defense Mobilization Systems Planning Activity, from August 1988 to October 1990. Colonel Houck managed the acquisition contracting for a wide range of diverse mobilization planning and systems evaluation efforts affecting national defense strategy. He was instrumental in the development of the strategies for competitive acquisitions which resulted in reduced costs and improved performance. He was a key player in the derivation of innovative solutions to complex budget problems associated with contracting at the national level. He was responsible for the orchestration and transfer of a multitude of high-dollar, sensitive contracts while ensuring their smooth transition with minimal disruption. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Houck reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.

Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel William D. Houck, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Contract Manager, Resource Management and Support Services Directorate, Defense Mobilization Systems Planning Activity (DMSPA), from August 1985 to July 1987. Colonel Houck was responsible for acquisition planning and strategies required for the efficient and timely development of studies, research and analyses related to long-term emergency mobilization planning. Further, he was selected to perform special projects for the Director, DMSPA, which required coordinating and often directing activities of those very senior to him on extremely complex and sensitive issues. Throughout his assignment, Lieutenant Colonel Houck set the example in industry, initiative and excellence by his practical solutions to many complex political and technical issues. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Houck reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.