In the proud tradition of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, two exceptional leaders – Maricarmen Crespo and Chad Gillan – have been awarded the prestigious Bronze de Fleury Medal, a recognition reserved for those whose service and impact transcend individual assignments and shape the very fabric of the Engineer Regiment.
Named for Francois Louis Tesseidre de Fleury, a French engineer who fought valiantly alongside American forces during the Revolutionary War, the de Fleury Medal is steeped in history and honor. In 1779, de Fleury’s courage at the storming of Stony Point earned him the admiration of the Continental Congress, which struck a medal in his name to commemorate his valor.
Today, the Bronze de Fleury Medal is awarded to military and civilian members of the Engineer Regiment who have rendered significant service across multiple elements of the Corps. It is not a token of a single tour but rather a testament to decades of excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty.
Maricarmen Crespo: Building the future of Puerto Rico
From the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico to the helm of the Construction Division for the newly established Caribbean District, Maricarmen Crespo has carved a legacy of leadership and innovation. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineer license, but her impact has reached far beyond credentials.
In September 2023, Crespo assumed leadership of construction operations for Task Force Virgin Islands Puerto Rico (VIPR), a mission-critical unit tasked with executing infrastructure projects across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. By July 2024, she transitioned into the Caribbean District, continuing her oversight of complex, multi-billion-dollar construction efforts.
Her ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Women in Concrete Award from the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American Concrete Institute. But it’s her strategic vision, her commitment to safety and sustainability, and her mentorship of rising engineers that truly define her legacy.
“Ms. Crespo has not only built structures, she has also built teams, elevated standards, and shaped the future of construction in the region,” said Caribbean District Commander Col. Charles L. Decker, who personally submitted both Crespo and Gillan for the de Fleury Medals. “Her Bronze de Fleury Medal reflects her unmatched dedication to excellence and her enduring impact on the Corps of Engineers.
“Ms. Crespo exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, precision, and vision. Her ability to manage complex construction efforts while fostering a culture of safety and innovation has elevated our entire district. The Bronze de Fleury Medal is a fitting tribute to her enduring impact on the Corps and the communities we serve.”
Chad Gillan: Engineering with precision and purpose
With over a decade of service in the Corps of Engineers and 15 years in the private sector, Chad Gillan brings a rare blend of technical mastery and visionary leadership to the Caribbean District’s Engineering Division. Holding a Master of Science in Civil/Structural Engineering from the University of Colorado, Gillan specializes in hydraulic structures, including embankment and concrete dams, structural analysis, and finite element modeling.
Since August 2023, he has served as Chief of Engineering for VIPR (now the Caribbean District) where he has led multidisciplinary teams through the planning, design, and execution of complex engineering projects. His tenure at the Jacksonville District saw him rise swiftly through roles such as Structures Section Chief and Acting Design Branch Chief, consistently driving innovation and operational effectiveness.
Gillan’s Bronze de Fleury Medal honors not just his technical achievements, but his mentorship, collaborative spirit, and relentless pursuit of excellence. He has cultivated a culture of learning and innovation, empowering junior engineers and integrating cutting-edge solutions to long-standing challenges.
“Mr. Gillan’s technical mastery and strategic leadership have transformed the way we approach engineering challenges. His commitment to mentorship and innovation has empowered a new generation of engineers and strengthened our mission across the Caribbean,” Decker said.
“Chad’s contributions reflect the very spirit of the de Fleury Medal, which is boldness, brilliance, and unwavering dedication to the Engineer Regiment. His leadership has elevated not only his team but the broader mission of the Corps, ensuring that engineering goals are met with precision, purpose, and integrity.”
“By receiving this honor, both Maricarmen Crespo and Chad Gillan join a lineage of engineers whose work has shaped landscapes, protected communities, and upheld the highest ideals of the Regiment,” Decker said. “Their stories remind us that behind every structure and every blueprint are leaders whose vision and dedication make it all possible. And now their legacies are forever etched not only in concrete and steel, but in the proud history of Army Engineering.”