2024 Spring Conferment of Decoration - Former Commander, Pacific Air Forces Kenneth S. Wilsbach

On April 29, 2024 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2024 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, with Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Former Commander, Pacific Air Forces, being one of the recipients. In recognition of his contributions towards reinforcing the alliance between Japan and the United States in the field of defense, he will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

• DECORATION: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
• SERVICE: Contributions towards reinforcing the alliance between Japan and the United States in the field of defense
• NAME: Kenneth S. Wilsbach
• MAJOR TITLE: Former Commander, Pacific Air Forces
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Virginia (United States of America)

General Wilsbach served as the Commander of the Pacific Air Forces from July 2020 to February 2024. He routinely shared situational awareness between Japan and the United States to further strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, he contributed to strengthening information gathering capabilities in the region surrounding Japan, including the establishment of a Bilateral Information Analysis Cell at Yokota Air Base.