VICKSBURG, Miss. – U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) Deputy Director Dr. Bill Grogan was awarded the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal in a surprise ceremony during the recent ERDC Board of Directors meeting. Grogan, who is also currently serving acting director of GSL, was presented with the medal by outgoing GSL Director Dr. David Pitman; Pittman has been tapped as ERDC’s next deputy director.
The medal, which was first created by the Continental Congress to honor Francois de Fleury, a French soldier who fought with Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War, honors individuals who have provided significant contributions to Army engineering. Grogan was presented with the award in recognition of more than 30 years of exceptional service to the Engineer Regiment. He was also cited for outstanding leadership, selfless service and career contributions to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and ERDC.
Grogan conducted research that improved the ability to construct, monitor and upgrade pavements crucial to the performance of our airfields throughout the world and developed high-performance cementitious materials that are allowing advancements in the construction of both civil and military structures. As a senior-level manager, his leadership abilities, business acumen and people skills touch the lives and advance the capabilities of a breadth of technical and administrative personnel both at the ERDC and throughout the United States.
“I view the de Fleury Medal as recognizing individuals that truly believe in and support the Engineer Regiment,” said Grogan. “I was surprised, humbled and honored.”
Grogan earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and a master’s in civil engineering from Mississippi State University. He earned a doctorate in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. He has been in his current position since 2005.