Major General de Jonge receives Canadian Meritorious Service Medal

Major General Harm de Jonge as Deputy Commander RC (South)

On 4^th of June 2010 Major General de Jonge is awarded the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal — Military Division (M.S.M.) at an investiture ceremony held at Rideau Hall, Ottawa, (Canada). The Deputy Commander of the 1(German/Netherlands) Corps was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan from January till October 2008 as Deputy Commander of the Regional Command (South) of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The Meritorious Service Medal (military division) recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner or of a high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces.

De Jonge’s strategic vision and expert diplomacy built mutual respect and synergy between coalition partners, Afghan security forces and the Afghan government. His insightful execution of command intent and sage advice to the multinational staff ensured effective command and control during regional operations. His outstanding leadership and professionalism ensured the operational success of regional Command (South). The Excellency the Governor General of Canada approved the Meritorious Service Medal for Major General de Jonge because of the above mentioned reason.

Background of the Meritorious Service Decorations

The Meritorious Service Decorations were created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1984 to recognize individuals whose specific deeds or activities over a limited period of time (from 5 minutes to 5 years) have:

* demonstrated an outstanding level of service; or

* set an exemplary standard of achievement; and

* brought honour or benefit to Canada  

This accomplishment must have taken place after June 11, 1984. 

Meritorious Service Medal — Military Division (M.S.M.)

It is a circular silver medal bearing the Royal Crown: on one side of which appears the design of the Cross, and on the other appears the Royal Cipher, EIIR, and within a double circle the inscription MERITORIOUS SERVICE MÉRITOIRE