Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: June 11, 2002
- Invested on: September 27, 2002
Rank: Major-General
On September 11, 2001, Major-General Findley was the Director of Operations for the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). As the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center unfolded in New York City, NORAD became the focal point of an immediate military response. Within hours, armed fighter aircraft were flying over all United States urban areas and all commercial air traffic in North America was stopped. All of this was accomplished in large part due to Major-General Findley’s leadership and professionalism. Under his guidance, NORAD directed flawlessly several hundred military aircraft and ships, including four carrier battle groups into position, resulting in the greatest peacetime response that North America had ever witnessed. Major-General Findley’s exceptional performance of duty, an outstanding example to Americans and Canadians alike, brought credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
