An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photos

Snapshots of what’s happening in the Defense Department.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates awards the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service to First Lady Laura Bush at the Armed Forces Full Honor Farewell to the President at Fort Myer, Va., on Jan. 6, 2009.

Secretary Gates awards the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service to First Lady Laura Bush.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates awards the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service to First Lady Laura Bush at the Armed Forces Full Honor Farewell to the President at Fort Myer, Va., on Jan. 6, 2009.

Photo Gallery