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 (Infantry) Michael Cardarelli, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense in the Strategic Office, Office of the Secretary of Defense, from 2001 to 2003. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel (Infantry) Cardarelli reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.