J. Daniel Howard Carlucci and his deputy, General Colin Powell. Howard focussed on arms control issues and remained through the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in January 1988. He also dealt with many issues associated with the Iran–Contra affair. On December 21, 1987, President Reagan nominated Howard to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) and Howard would hold this post from February 1988 through May 1989. He worked for Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci and dealt with the aftermath of the shooting down of Iran Air Flight 655 by the U.S.S. "Vincennes" and the explosion of a gun mount
Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom The Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom is a decoration established to acknowledge civilian employees of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) who are killed or wounded in the line of duty. The United States Army’s Institute of Heraldry developed the medal. The eagle and shield exemplify the principles of freedom on which the United States was founded and the defense of these freedoms. The laurel is emblematic of honor and high achievement. Red, white, and blue are the national colors of the United States. The red