DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 373/09
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS APPOINTED
HONORARY OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, congratulated General
David Petraeus after he was appointed as an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia in an
investiture ceremony in Washington DC today.
General Petraeus was nominated for the award by Air Chief Marshal Houston in recognition
of his distinguished service to the International Coalition Against Terrorism as Commanding
General, Multi-National Force Iraq.
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, representing the Governor-General,
presented the insignia to General Petraeus in the presence of Air Chief Marshal Houston and
Secretary of Defence, Dr Ian Watt.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said that General Petraeus’ appointment to the Order of Australia
recognised his outstanding contribution to the increased safety and security of Australian
forces in Iraq during 2007 and 2008.
“General Petraeus’ stoic determination, impeccible integrity and realist command approach
was instrumental in the production of a safer environment for Australian forces in Iraq,” Air
Chief Marshal Houston said.
“During his time as Commanding General, Multi-National Force Iraq, General Petraeus led
Coalition Forces in an exceedingly complex operational environment to great effect. Under
General Petraeus’ guidance the Coalition gained tactical momentum by conducting successful
counter insurgency and offensive operations to clear and hold significant areas of Iraq. This
directly led to strengthened reconciliation efforts and a renewed focus on political reform,
subsequently resulting in a reduction in violence, lessening of casualties and a decrease in
security incidents.
“I greatly valued General Petraeus’ leadership and determination in ensuring that young men
and women of the ADF were operating within a coalition effort that was coordinated and
effective. This award is the highest honour in our system and I can think of no one more
deserving of this recognition than General Petraeus.”
General Petraeus of the United States Army is currently Commander, United States Central
Command. He served as Commanding General, Multi-National Force Iraq from 26 January
2007 until 30 October 2008. In this position he was charged with command of all Coalition
forces in Iraq, including members of the ADF. Prior to this he was the first commander of the
Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq where he was responsible for training
Iraq’s Army, Police and other security forces.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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