November 5, 2004 OTTAWA – On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, General Raymond Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff, presented earlier today a Meritorious Service Cross (military division) to General Ralph Edward Eberhart, of the United States Air Force. The Meritorious Service Cross was presented during the North American Aerospace Defence Command and the United States Northern Command Change of Command ceremony at 10 a.m. today at the Peterson Air Force Base (AFB) in Colorado, U.S.A. The award is in effect as of August 27, 2004. Meritorious Service Decorations may be awarded to both Canadians and non-Canadians. The following text is the official citation for General Ralph Edward Eberhart : General Ralph Edward Eberhart, M.S.C. (U.S. Air Force) Peterson AFB, Colorado, U.S.A. and Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A. Meritorious Service Cross (military division) Gen Eberhart of the U.S. Air Force provided outstanding support and assistance to Canada as the Commander of North American Aerospace Defence Command and of the United States Northern Command. His strong vision and tenacious pursuit of bi-national support for the common defence of North America contributed significantly to the advancement of defence programs critical to Canada. His leadership, astute initiative and clear direction ensured the appropriate decisions were made during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and unprecedented success during the subsequent air defence campaign to protect North America. Gen Eberhart's personal efforts and keen understanding of his commands' vital roles have greatly contributed to Western security, and constitute united and unparalleled service to Canada. For more information on Meritorious Service Decorations, please see attached annex or visit our web site at http://www.gg.ca/honours/msd_e.asp. -30- Media information Rideau Hall Press Office Marilyne Guèvremont (613) 998-7280 www.gg.ca NORAD Public Affairs Major Douglas P. Martin (719) 554-5816 www.norad.mil Public information Chancellery of Honours Rideau Hall 1 800 465-6890 ANNEX: Background on Meritorious Service Decorations Meritorious Service Decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels in each category: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity that has brought honour to their community or to Canada. These decorations are an important part of the Canadian Honours System and, like the Order of Canada, they recognize excellence. However, Meritorious Service Decorations honour either a single achievement or an activity over a specified period, while the Order of Canada focuses on lifetime achievement. The Meritorious Service Decorations are open to both Canadians and non-Canadians. Anyone may nominate an individual for the civil division of the Meritorious Service Decorations, while a commanding officer recommends possible candidates to a military advisory committee, which reviews nominations and submits names to the Chief of the Defence Staff. Nominations and awards may be made posthumously, but nominations for activities that occurred prior to June 1984, the year in which the honour was first created, are not accepted.
