ISAF Commander receives Meritorious Service Cross

Published On Thu Jul 7 2011

By Major Glen Parent

ISAF commander Gen David Petraeus (left) receives the Meritorious Service Cross from the hand of Gen Walter Natynczyk, Canada's Chief of Defence Staff.

ISAF commander Gen David Petraeus (left) receives the Meritorious Service Cross from the hand of Gen Walter Natynczyk, Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff.

Kabul, Afghanistan — General David Petraeus, commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), has been awarded the Meritorious Service Cross, presented to him at ISAF Headquarters in Kabul on 1 July 2011 by General Walt Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff, on behalf of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces.

“This medal is the most significant Canadian military award for strategic and operational leadership,” said Gen Natynczyk. “Canadian troops have been able to be successful in Afghanistan because of your leadership.”

Under Gen Petraeus’ command since July 2010, ISAF is a coalition that currently includes two Canadian deployed task forces: the 3,000-strong Joint Task Force Afghanistan now wrapping up Operation ATHENA in Kandahar Province, and the newly arrived team deployed on Operation ATTENTION to serve in the Kabul area with the NATO Training Mission–Afghanistan.

Upon receiving his medal, Gen Petraeus said, “I am deeply grateful for this award, and for the leaders and troops Canada has provided for this mission. It is particularly gratifying to look back at the progress you have made in southern Afghanistan and I’m looking forward to your accomplishments in the training mission.”

The Meritorious Service Cross recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces.