The Naval War College Distinguished Graduate leadership Award was established in 1996 by the Trustees of the Naval War College Foundation to honor United States Naval War College graduates who have attained positions of prominence in the field of national security.
The criteria for selection of the Distinguished Graduate include attainment of a position of senior leadership in government service, career accomplishments which are inspiring to Naval War College students, and an expressed interest in professional military education. His graduation from the Naval War College and exemplary service in the United States Army are marks of professionalism which this award is intended to recognize.
1996: General John M. Shalikashvili, USA, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff1997: Admiral Joseph W. Prueher, USN, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Command1998: Admiral Robert E. Kramek, USCG, Commandant of the USCG1999: General Charles E. Wilhelm, USMC, Commander, U.S. Southern Command2000: Admiral Robert J. Natter, USN, Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet2001: Admiral William J. Fallon, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations2002: Colonel Charles J. Precourt, Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Corps2003: Admiral Gregory G. Johnson, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe/Commander, Allied Forces, Southern Europe2004: General Michael W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant, United States Marine Corps2005: Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs2006: Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, USN, Commander, Military Sealift Command2007: Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. Southern Command2008: General James E. Cartwright, USMC, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff2009: General Raymond T. Odierno, USA, U.S. Forces - Iraq2010: Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard2011: Doctor Clifford L. Stanley, USMC (ret.), Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness2012: Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., USN, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff