On May 27, 1997 Richard L. Dunn received the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service for his work in innovative contracting. It read:
For exceptionally meritorious civilian service as General Counsel, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), from October 1994 to May 1997.
Mr. Dunn demonstrated exemplary management and professional leadership skills in obtaining and implementing new legal authorities for the conduct of research, development and systems prototypes for the Department of Defense. Displaying a consistently positive and focused approach to supporting DARPA’s mission, Mr. Dunn was able to imbue a “can do” attitude in the legal and contracting process. He was the intellectual leader for innovative research and technology arrangements with industry. He was also a catalyst for revolutionary change in the Department, expediting research and development efforts that were more flexible resulting in affordable systems that were essential to our National security.
Mr. Dunn’s initiative, dedication, and service to his country and demonstrated superior achievements reflect great credit upon himself and the Department of Defense. For these and his many other contributions, I take great pleasure in presenting Richard L. Dunn the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service.
William J. Perry
What is old is new again.