Richardson receives highest enlisted honor Published June 26, 2025 By Tiffany Scofield Air Force Materiel Command WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, commander, Air Force Materiel Command, was formally inducted into the Order of the Sword during a ceremony June 24 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Order of the Sword is the most significant tribute the enlisted force can present to a military officer. It honors those who have made a profound and lasting impact on the welfare, development, and professional growth of enlisted Airmen. The award was initiated, nominated, and presented by the AFMC enlisted force, signifying deep trust and respect. “This honor from our enlisted corps is the greatest privilege of my career,” Richardson said. “Being recognized by the people who execute the mission every day, that’s what truly humbles me.” As AFMC commander, Richardson has led a workforce of more than 89,000 military and civilian personnel, including over 13,000 enlisted Airmen. He is one of only 11 officers from Air Force Materiel Command ever inducted into the Order of the Sword, joining a distinguished group of just over 300 recipients across the Air Force. The ceremony included a formal proclamation, a scroll signed by attendees, and the presentation of a ceremonial sword, symbolizing the respect and gratitude of the enlisted corps. “The Order of the Sword is not just a ceremony,” said Chief Master Sgt. Bill Fitch, AFMC command chief. “It’s a declaration of trust, of respect, and of gratitude from the enlisted corps to a leader who truly listens.” Richardson’s leadership has long reflected the Air Force values. His consistent focus on morale, mentorship, and creating space for enlisted voices has left a lasting impact across AFMC and the broader Air Force enterprise. “I’ve always believed that leadership starts with listening,” Richardson said. “And I’ve tried to live that belief every single day.” The Order of the Sword tradition extends back to the early 12th century. During this time, medieval noncommissioned officers honored their leaders and pledged loyalty by presenting them with a ceremonial sword. The sword symbolized truth, justice, and righteous power, and it served as a visual token that indicated the individual was a “leader among leaders.” The tradition carried forward through the ages and arrived in the U.S. during the Revolutionary War times. Though dormant for many years, the custom was eventually revived and became known as the Royal Order of the Sword, adopted by Air Force noncommissioned officers in 1967. To learn more about the history of the Order of the Sword honor, visit the Air University website.