DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY HONORS PENTAGON HEROES
January 10, 2002

The Defense Intelligence Agency today recognized the heroic efforts of servicemembers and civilians immediately following the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon. Vice Admiral Thomas R. Wilson, director, Defense Intelligence Agency, hosted an awards ceremony at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., for the 40 award recipients and their families, friends and co-workers.

For most of our nation’s history, those so honored for their sacrifices, courage and dedication usually served overseas and usually wore the uniform of one of our military services. Today’s ceremony bears testament to a world that has changed–a world in which wars are no longer confined to the region of their origin and whose participants are no longer only men in uniform. The battlefield of the current conflict includes the cities and towns and the counties and states of our homeland. Its heroes are both the military and the civilian patriots from which our nation derives its great strength,” said Wilson.

Six different categories of awards were presented during the ceremony. One service member received the Purple Heart and seven civilians received the Defense of Freedom Medal, the civilian equivalent award. Eleven heroes received the DIA Award for Humanitarian Service. This award is given to civilian employees and military members who performed heroic acts in response to the attack on the Pentagon. Twenty-one employees also received the Defense Intelligence Director’s Award in recognition for their work in supporting the families of seven DIA employees killed in the Pentagon attack.

“Like many other Americans, those we honor on this occasion never set out to become heroes. They would have greatly preferred if the events of 11 September had never happened. But they did happen, and when duty called, these individuals and organizations answered that call. By their actions and in their spirit, these heroes reflect the overall determination of the people of our agency to bear whatever burden is necessary to achieve victory in the current conflict,” said Wilson.

Specific award citations available upon request from Defense Intelligence Agency Public Affairs at (703) 695-0071.