Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2009-11-19
Invested on: 2011-02-11
While deployed to Afghanistan from July 2008 to June 2009, Lieutenant-Colonel Hurlbut, commanding officer of an American infantry battalion, provided outstanding support to the Canadian Forces. Tasked with defining the combat zone in Maywand district for the Canadian contingent, he demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the insurgency and the region’s complex political situation. He expertly led his soldiers in multiple counter-insurgency operations while simultaneously expanding the Afghan government’s influence. Lieutenant-Colonel Hurlbut’s leadership and dedication contributed to Canada’s operational success in Afghanistan, enhancing Canadian-American relations.