The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Major Richard L. Apple, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service while deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 26 March 2006 to 15 May 2007, as senior mentor to the Central Movement Agency Commander, Defense Reform Directorate, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. Major Apple led a team of 15 mentors supporting 400 Afghans and a 200 vehicle fleet. He directed all aspects operations, sustainment, training, convoy operations, logistics support, intelligence communications, personnel, security, and civil engineering. His duty performance in a combat zone reflects great credit upon himself, the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, the United States Central Command, and the United States Air Force.