Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: July 13, 2016
- Invested on: February 28, 2018
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
Lieutenant-Colonel Pletz deployed to Romania and Lithuania from May 2014 to January 2015 in response to the escalating crisis in Ukraine. The excellence with which he handled his assigned diplomatic, mentoring and training duties ensured increased operational capability with a key NATO partner. In particular, Lieutenant-Colonel Pletz’ remarkable leadership, dedication and operational performance during the Baltic Air Policing mission in Lithuania resulted in significant operational successes for Canada in support of NATO operations, thereby solidifying military co-operation within Eastern Europe.