USAF General awarded Canadian Meritorious Service Cross

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Gen. Lance L. Smith was awarded Canada's Meritorious Service Cross, Nov. 7. A visionary leader, he demonstrated outstanding foresight and resolve while skilfully guiding the transformation of NATO. His efforts to change Alliance doctrine, training, concept development and experimentation had direct impact on similar advances in Canadian Forces processes and operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo.  

OTTAWA, CANADA

11.07.2007

Courtesy Story

National Defence Canada

OTTAWA, Canada — On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Lieutenant-General Jan Arp, Chief of Staff, NATO Headquarters Supreme Allied Command Transformation, presented the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) to General Lance L. Smith, in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, Nov. 6.

The following text is the official citation:

General Lance L. Smith, M.S.C.
Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)

As a visionary leader, General Smith, of the United States Air Force, demonstrated outstanding foresight and resolve while skilfully guiding the transformation of NATO. His efforts to change Alliance doctrine, training, concept development and experimentation had direct impact on similar advances in Canadian Forces processes and operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo. His immediate and unconditional support following a tragic friendly fire accident that claimed the lives of Canadian soldiers in 2006, resulted in unprecedented collaboration between NATO, Canadian and U.S. investigation teams, and in the identification of several crucial lessons for future joint operations. His many achievements contributed greatly to collective security and constitute unique and meritorious service to Canada.

About the Meritorious Service Cross - Military division:

The cross may be awarded to a member of the Canadian Forces, or a member of a foreign military force, for performance of a military deed or a military activity in an outstandingly professional manner of such a rare high standard that it brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces. Only 38 MSC (military) medals have been awarded since its inception in June of 1984.

• Date Taken: 11.07.2007
• Date Posted: 11.15.2007 11:20
• Story ID: 13929
• Location: OTTAWA, CA