Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: October 9, 2007
- Invested on: November 06, 2007
Rank: General
As a visionary leader, General Smith, of the United States Air Force, demonstrated outstanding foresight and resolve while skilfully guiding the transformation of NATO. His efforts to change Alliance doctrine, training, concept development and experimentation had direct impact on similar advances in Canadian Forces processes and operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo. His immediate and unconditional support following a tragic friendly fire accident that claimed the lives of Canadian soldiers in 2006, resulted in unprecedented collaboration between NATO, Canadian and U.S. investigation teams, and in the identification of several crucial lessons for future joint operations. His many achievements contributed greatly to collective security and constitute unique and meritorious service to Canada.
