On Friday, LTG (ret.) Frederick S. Rudesheim was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service in recognition of exemplary leadership as director of the Perry Center. Director Rudesheim’s unwavering commitment to building trust and strengthening relationships in the Americas advanced the Center’s mission and security partnerships in the region. With most appreciative hearts, we wish him a fond farewell and note he will be an enduring member of the Perry Center family.

Award Citation: LTG (ret.) Frederick S. Rudesheim is recognized for exceptional public service as the Director of the William J. Perry Center, under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (OUSD Policy) from February 2018 – May 2022. In this capacity, he demonstrated exemplary leadership, professional acumen, and unrivaled subject matter expertise in guiding the efforts and activities of the Perry Center. LTG Rudesheim transformed the Perry Center into an internationally recognized institution on hemispheric defense and security issues that the US interagency, allies, and partners relied upon to better understand the complex challenges and opportunities necessary to make informed policy decisions. Anchoring the Perry Center on OSD policy priorities, he worked tirelessly to ensure all seminars, workshops, publications, and outreach events generated outcomes and impacts in support of strategic objectives. LTG Rudesheim prioritized relationship building and cultivated a strong and vibrant Perry Center alumni community that is a positive force for advancing security and stability throughout the Americas. The distinctive accomplishments of LTG Frederick S. Rudesheim reflect great credit upon himself and the US Department of Defense.