Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2010-03-15
Invested on: 2010-11-02
Major Nolan was deployed to Afghanistan as a mentor to the commanding officer of an Afghan National Army infantry battalion from September 2008 to April 2009. During multiple combat operations, he provided frontline mentorship to his Afghan counterpart, enabling him to succeed in a chaotic environment while under fire. Whether operating independently or with coalition units, his mentorship promoted the development of sound operational plans and successful schemes of manoeuvre. Major Nolan’s outstanding leadership and professionalism were instrumental to the Afghan battalion’s operational success.