U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Division leaders presented the Steel order of the deFleury Medal to Capt. Alicia Luces, a project manager with the Middle East District, in an award ceremony April 21.
The deFleury medal is named for Francois Louis Tesseidre deFleury, a French engineer who served with the U.S. Army during the Revolutionary War. In 1779, deFleury bravely led troops in the recapture of a small fort, Stony Point, which lifted the spirits of American troops and showed the British that the American forces were strong. DeFleury was praised by the Continental Congress and an award was created in his name.
There are four levels of the deFleury Medal, according to the Army Engineer Association. The Steel Medal may be presented to an individual whose selfless service to the Engineer Regiment supports the Army to assure mobility, enhance protection, enable expeditionary logistics and build capacity in order to provide commanders with the freedom of action needed to win full spectrum operations in an era of persistent conflict. The Bronze Medal may be presented to an individual who rendered significant service or support to an element of the Engineer Regiment. The Silver Medal may only be awarded to an individual who rendered outstanding and significant support or service to the Engineer Regiment. The United States Army Chief of Engineers awards only one Gold Medal each year to an individual who exemplifies boldness, courage and commitment to a strong national defense.
Luces received the medal for her time deployed as the operations officer with the Transatlantic Division in Kuwait from January through December 2015.
Col. Stephen Dale, who served as Luces’ supervisor in Kuwait, said he was willing to guess that everyone in the room already knew what a great person she is and what a great job she does.
“The first time I met her, she was this quiet, unassuming person. It took me a few weeks to realize just how interconnected she was with everyone in Kuwait,” he said. “If you want to get anything done, you’d go to her. I’m not exaggerating when I say that. She was a tremendous asset, and she did a great job turning things over to her replacement so we didn’t miss a beat after she left.”
Though proud to be recognized for her achievements, Luces was quick to point to the hard work of her team members.
“I’m accepting this award not only for myself, but for all the folks downrange who are providing tremendous support to the warfighter,” she said. “I greatly appreciate the efforts made both here and forward.”