US honours SF commander August 01, 2002 Lt-Col Rowan Tink displays his citation for the US Bronze Star at Victoria Barracks, Sydney. Until recently Lt-Col Tink commanded the Special Forces Task Force on Op Slipper in Afghanistan. Photo by Sgt Bob O'Donahoo, 1JPAU(P) THE United States has awarded one of its highest military honours to an Australian soldier for his exceptional service in Afghanistan. Lt-Col Rowan Tink, outgoing Commander of the Special Forces Task Group in Afghanistan on Op Slipper, received the United States Bronze Star for his outstanding contribution to the international coalition against terrorism's Op Enduring Freedom. The US Commander of Coalition Task Force Mountain, Maj-Gen Frank 'Buster' Hagenbeck, presented Lt-Col Tink with the medal at a recent farewell ceremony held at Bagram Air Base. The award citation read, in part; "[Lt-Col Tink's] outstanding leadership, strategic and tactical proficiency, dedication to duty and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone under the most extreme of circumstances greatly contributed to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom." In presenting the award, Maj-Gen Hagenbeck paid tribute to the work of all Australian forces in Afghanistan. "You won't find a more professional group than the Australians who have served here with us," he said. In his farewell speech, Lt-Col Tink praised both the strength of the coalition effort in Afghanistan and the work of Australian soldiers in the field. "There was no doubt in my mind from day one that this was a team effort - a coalition effort. Australian Special Forces soldiers have done the hard yards and borne the brunt of the task and I pay absolute tribute to them," he said. Lt-Col Tink took command of the Task Group in late January and commanded it during Op Anaconda in March, when SASR soldiers distinguished themselves in combat alongside US forces. Bronze Star Citation To Lt-Col Rowan Tink, Australian Defence Force For exceptionally meritorious achievement while serving as commander (of the Australian Task Group), Australian Defense (sic) Force, with Coalition Task Force - Mountain, in Bagram, Afghanistan. Lt-Col Tink's outstanding leadership, strategic and tactical proficiency, dedication to duty and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone under the most extreme of circumstances greatly contributed to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom. Lt-Col Tink's performance of duty reflects great credit upon him, the Australian Defence Force and the Coalition members of Coalition Task Force - Mountain. Signed by Major General F.L. Hagenbeck, Commander, Coalition Task Force - Mountain, and Thomas E. White, US Secretary of the Army