Michael E. Ryan

Michael E. Ryan
Official portrait as Chief of Staff of the Air Force
Born (1941-12-24) December 24, 1941
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Air Force
Service years1965–2001
RankGeneral
CommandsChief of Staff of the United States Air Force
Allied Air Forces Central Europe
U.S. Air Forces in Europe
16th Air Force
Allied Air Forces Southern Europe
432nd Tactical Fighter Wing
61st Tactical Fighter Squadron
ConflictsVietnam War
United States invasion of Panama
Operation Deliberate Force
AwardsDefense Distinguished Service Medal (3)
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (3)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Full list
RelationsGeneral John Dale Ryan (father)

Michael Edward Ryan (born December 24, 1941) is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) general and was the 16th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from October 1997 to September 2001. He served as the senior uniformed USAF officer responsible for the organization, training and equipage of active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he and the other service chiefs functioned as military advisers to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and the President.