Navy Federal Credit Union

Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in awarding the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Bernard J. Dunn, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense while assigned as the Defense AttachŽ, United States Defense AttachŽ Office, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, Directorate for Operations, Defense Intelligence Agency, during June 1997 through June 2000. Colonel Dunn’s unmatched regional experience, superior linguistic skills, and personal charisma provided the United States Government with a foreign policy professional of rare ability and experience. Through a total commitment to the furtherance of American interests within this strategic region, Colonel Dunn mastered the complex dynamic of Syrian society and penetrated into the upper most reaches of this insular and secretive culture to provide American policymakers with the most accurate perspective of Syrian intentions and policies. His absolute incorruptibility and impeccable military bearing provided his Syrian counterparts with an epitome of the American military professional, while his innate appreciation of global and regional concerns enabled him to focus on the key issues of interest to both his Syrian hosts and the American Government. Colonel Dunn’s performance as Defense AttachŽ to Syria has proven a paradigm for all current and future members of the Defense AttachŽ System while forming a strong legacy for honest and clear relations between our two countries. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Colonel Dunn reflects great, credit upon himself, the United States Army, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Department of Defense.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1990 – April 15, 1991

    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 Major Bernard J. Dunn, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 8 November 1990 to 15 April 1991, while serving as Deputy G-5, VII Corps’ Liaison Officer to the Egyptian Corps, and Senior VII Corps representative to the United States Army/Iraq Army Staff Negotiations. Major Dunn established rapid, effective liaison enabling the corps commander to assure close coordination with units on the corps’ flaks. He assisted Egyptian forces in obtaining critical breach equipment and training and accompanied forward forces through breaching operations. With less than 24 hours notice, he helped establish the site for cease fire negotiations at Safwan, Iraq, between coalition forces and the Iraqi Army. Major Dunn’s accomplishments reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.