By FLGOFF Julia Ravell
Volume 48, No. 11, June 29, 2006
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GPCAPT Brian Walsh receives the Legion of Merit for his work in the United States. |
GPCAPT Brian Walsh has joined the illustrious company of RAF Dam Busters’ Guy Gibson and Generals George Patton and Wesley Clarke in receiving the US Armed Forces’ Legion of Merit.
The first decoration created specifically for citizens of other nations for service to the US, the Legion of Merit is awarded to a high-ranking officer of staff for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States”.
The medal traces its history back to General George Washington’s Purple Heart, first conceived in 1782. A Legionnaire’s exceptional performance must merit the recognition of key individuals and requires evidence of significant achievement.
GPCAPT Walsh received his medal from the Secretary of the Navy, Donald Winter, at a recent ceremony in the United States.
Secretary Winter said the decoration recognised GPCAPT Walsh’s role in strengthening cooperation between Coalition allies.
“While serving as the National Deputy for the Australian Department of Defence in the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office, he consistently provided a smooth and seamless link to the Department ensuring that, as a Level III partner, the needs and concerns of Australia were appropriately addressed,” Secretary Winter said.
“GPCAPT Walsh’s expertise and professionalism made him a trusted and integral member…of the International Directorate. He was critical to achieving the goal of seamless integration of international partners into this cooperative development program.”
