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Meritorious Service Decoration presented to a United States citizen

June 26, 2006

OTTAWA – On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, the Honourable Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America, will present the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) to Admiral Edmund Peter Giambastiani Jr., of the United States Navy, on Tuesday June 27, 2006 at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., at noon. The award is in effect since October 27, 2005.

Meritorious Service Decorations may be awarded to both Canadians and non-Canadians. The Meritorious Service Cross (military division) recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces or Canada.

Citation:

Admiral Edmund Peter Giambastiani Jr., M.S.C.
U.S. Navy, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A.
Meritorious Service Cross (military division)

An innovative planner, Admiral Giambastiani, of the United States Navy, has provided outstanding leadership and creativity to ensure that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is ready to meet the challenges of the future. In 2004, he developed new approaches to ensure the advances in technology serve Alliance requirements well into the future. Admiral Giambastiani’s personal involvement and skilful execution of his Commands' vital functions have contributed in an outstanding manner to collective security.  His achievements have been of great benefit to Canada.

For more information on Meritorious Service Decorations, please visit our web site at http://www.gg.ca/honours/decorations/msd/index_e.asp .

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Media information
Lucie Brosseau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613 998-0287
www.gg.ca

Lieutenant-Colonel Jamie Robertson
Public Affairs Officer
Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
202 448-6324