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Kiwi Soldiers Honoured by US
31 October 2006
Seventeen New Zealand Defence Force personnel received a rare honour from the United States Army when they were presented with medals for service in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Eight NZ Army, one Air Force and one Navy personnel were awarded the prestigious Bronze Star, which recognises heroic or meritorious acts. The medal ranks 8th in precedence of 50 US Army decorations.
Five NZ Army, one Air Force and one Navy personnel were awarded the US Army Commendation medal. It recognises acts of achievement or meritorious excellence and ranks 12th.
Defence Minister Phil Goff said it was the second time in about 30 years that NZDF personnel had been presented with medals from the United States. The first was in 2004 when the US Navy Presidential Unit Citation was presented to 1 NZSAS Group.
“Recognition of the exemplary service of New Zealanders on operational service by other nations is rare. The recipients of these awards can take justifiable pride in their achievements in a demanding and challenging environment”, said Mr Goff.
Her Majesty the Queen gave her permission for the soldiers to accept and wear the American medals. The medals were presented to the personnel by US Ambassador William McCormick, at a ceremony in Wellington.
Mr McCormick said that NZDF personnel were distinguishable by their ability to capture the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.
“In everything I hear about the tremendous work being done by the New Zealand Defence Force, it is clear that the New Zealand troops have an extraordinary ability to establish relationships with the Afghan people.
"I am reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln when he said, ‘I destroy my enemies by making them my friends’.”
He said the medal recipients highlight the “truly transformational” role the NZDF is playing in Afghanistan and around the world.
“The work of New Zealand’s armed forces in Afghanistan demonstrates just what a potent combination the Kiwi ‘can-do’ attitude and professional military excellence is.”
Major Marcus Linehan worked as a liaison officer with the Combined Joint Task Force in Afghanistan from September 2004 to February 2005.
He was awarded the Bronze Star for “exceptionally meritorious achievement”. His citation reads: “Major Linehan’s tactical proficiency and selfless commitment to mission accomplishment under the most extreme circumstances greatly contributed to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom”.
MAJ Linehan puts New Zealand’s success in Afghanistan down to friendliness, a genuine desire to make a difference, and many years’ experience in peacekeeping.
He said the award did not just belong to him. “To me personally, it is great to get some recognition, but really it’s recognition of all the troops and all of my peers who worked with me in Afghanistan.”
This page was last reviewed on 03 November 2006 and is current.
