Secretary Geren, a longtime friend of Ambassador Schieffer, said he was greatly honored to preside over the ceremony on behalf of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. He praised the Ambassador's close cooperation with and support for the U.S. military, reflected in the Secretary of Defense's decision to bestow such a high-level award on the Ambassador. He described the Ambassador's support to the U.S.-Japan alliance as tireless, having a tremendous impact, and laying the foundation for Alliance Transformation in the years to come.

The ceremony took place at the Pentagon, attended by close friends and family. Among those present were former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Richard Lawless and former U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force Commander Lt. General (ret) Bruce Wright.