Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: July 21, 1998
- Invested on: December 04, 1998
Rank: Colonel
During the period of August 1995 to July 1996, Colonel Fitch served as Force Engineer of the United Nations Protection Force, and later as Assistant Chief Engineer of the NATO-led Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps. His ground work made it possible to introduce a NATO heavy armoured force of 60,000 personnel, in the depths of the Balkan winter, over a marginal network of roads in mountainous terrain. His professionalism, engineering expertise and determined leadership ensured the completion of the myriad engineering tasks required in restoring transportation links, power and water to the civilian population. Colonel Fitch's enthusiasm, generosity and loyalty brought great credit to his profession and to the Canadian Forces.
