- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
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Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: December 20, 1996
- Invested on: June 17, 1999
In 1995, Colonel Leslie provided outstanding leadership as Chief of Staff, Sector South Headquarters in Croatia. His professionalism and remarkable courage were clearly demonstrated between August 4 and 6, during Operation Storm -- the Croatian offensive in the Krajina district. During intense artillery fire, Colonel Leslie organized and participated in several missions to rescue approximately 40 United Nations employees trapped in their residences and bring them to the United Nations camp, using armoured personnel carriers. Throughout the worst of the shelling, he moved from bunker to bunker offering encouragement to those in distress and was instrumental in convincing them to continue doing their job. His performance during the operation and its aftermath saved many lives and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.
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Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: August 27, 2004
- Invested on: November 26, 2004
Major-General Leslie was deployed as the Commander for Task Force Kabul and also served as Deputy Commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) of Operation ATHENA in Afghanistan, from August 2003 to February 2004. He guided the ISAF team of 2,200 members to exceptional results, and in doing so, ensured that a safe and secure environment was maintained within Kabul, while building mutual respect between the Afghan Transitional Authorities and the ISAF coalition partners. Major-General Leslie’s outstanding leadership, dedication and tireless efforts were pivotal to the successful completion of this mission.