Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: June 23, 2010
- Invested on: November 02, 2010
Rank: Colonel
From 2006 through 2010, Colonel Battista, as the Canadian defence attaché to Germany,
greatly contributed to Canada’s relationship with that country. He was instrumental
in preparing Canadian Forces troops for service in Afghanistan. He advanced Canadian
initiatives such as research into, and the acquisition of, new German equipment and its
associated training, most notably for the Leopard 2 tank. He also successfully promoted
German participation in the International Security Assistance Force and partnership with the
Canadian Forces Staff Officer School in Kabul. Furthermore, his compassionate oversight of
wounded Canadian soldiers convalescing in Germany was exemplary. Throughout his tenure,
Colonel Battista was an outstanding envoy and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces
and to Canada.
