NR.12.001 - January 10, 2012
OTTAWA- The United States (U.S.) Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) was presented by Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III, to Lieutenant-General Joseph Jacques Charles Bouchard today, for exceptionally meritorious service as Deputy Commander, Allied Joint Force Command, Naples and Commander, Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, from October 2009 to December 2011.
“While protecting Libyan civilians in support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973, Lieutenant-General Bouchard maintained a balanced perspective and understanding of the broadest strategic issues”, said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “Lieutenant-General Bouchard served with distinction, and excelled in an extremely demanding, and complex operational assignment.”
On November 24, 2011, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, David Johnston, announced the awarding of the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) to Lieutenant-General Bouchard on Parliament Hill in a ceremony recognizing the efforts of Canadian military personnel who took part in the NATO mission in Libya. He was also recently appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada at the Officer level for his contributions to global peacekeeping and security, and for his support for the protection of human rights.
“Lieutenant-General Bouchard’s guidance positively impacted North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations overseas, in the Balkans, Iraq, Libya, and the Mediterranean Sea”, said General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff. “A proven leader, through his superior effort and initiative, Lieutenant-General Bouchard reflects great credit on himself personally, on NATO, and on the Canadian Forces.”
The U.S. Legion of Merit is the sixth highest in order of precedence in the U.S., and may be awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service to the United States. The second or any subsequent award of this decoration must be in the same or a higher degree than the previous award. The U.S. Legion of Merit can be awarded in four degrees to foreign military personnel.
Lieutenant-General Bouchard was first awarded the U.S. Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) after his tenure as Deputy Commander, United States North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD) Command Region, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, from July 2001 to July 2004. He was awarded a second U.S Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) for his service as Deputy Commander of NORAD, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from Aug 2007 to Jun 2009. This is his third award of this decoration.
Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, United States Navy, is serving concurrently as: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa; as well as NATO's Commander, Allied Joint Force Command, Naples.
