Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: May 17, 2012
- Invested on: March 22, 2013
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel Paganini, of the United States Army, performed exceptionally well as commanding officer of the 1-71 Cavalry Squadron, in Afghanistan from April 2010 to March 2011. Under his front line leadership, the squadron earned a reputation for its effectiveness and professionalism, and established itself as a critical component of Task Force Kandahar. Lieutenant Colonel Paganini’s tactical acumen and drive to succeed set an example for soldiers of all nations and were critical to the Canadian Forces’ operational success in Afghanistan.
