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Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Karl H. Lowe, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense from 30 September 1983 to 14 July 1987, while serving as Strategy Applications Branch Chief and as Chief, Strategy Division, Strategic plans and Policy Directorate, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During this period, Colonel Lowe used his broad strategic vision, unparalleled knowledge of United States military capabilities, and exceptional leadership ability to bring about revolutionary improvements in the United States’ joint military capabilities planning. As a result of his untiring efforts, United States military strategy and planning are more closely linked with policy, more global in perspective, more flexible, and more realistic. Colonel Lowe achieved plans that are integrated as never before from crisis response through war termination, thereby serving as the basis for the best possible military advice the Chairman and Joint Chiefs of Staff can provide to the Secretary of Defense and to the President. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lowe reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Department of Defense.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    6th Battalion

    Regiment:

    31st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1970
    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 4142 (October 16, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Karl H. Lowe, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Lowe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 May 1970 while serving as Commanding Officer, Company D, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, when the Third Platoon of Company D suddenly began to receive intense enemy fire, Captain Lowe quickly deployed his men and proceeded to place a heavy volume of accurate return fire upon the enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, he maneuvered under intense fire to obtain a more advantageous position from which he directed helicopter gunship attacks and air strikes against the enemy bunkers. He then led his element in an assault which completely routed the enemy. Captain Lowe’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    January 1991 – January 1993

    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 Colonel (Infantry) Karl H. Lowe, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Senior Planner, and as Special Assistant for Army Matters, Office of the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Resources and Plans, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, from January 1991 to January 1993. During this period, Colonel Lowe made vital and lasting contributions to the Department of Defense and to the development of national security policy and strategy. He played a pivotal role in support of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in a wide array of very sensitive areas. These included the preparation of assessments on crisis response throughout the world. His thorough analyses of changes in the world, well developed proposals regarding crisis response and his energetic efforts to provide a logical, balanced approach to policy implementation clearly reflected his outstanding qualities. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lowe culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.