Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: June 23, 2003
- Invested on: December 05, 2003
Rank: Commodore
As the Gulf of Oman Sector Commander from April to September 2002, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Commodore Lerhe led the terrorist leadership interdiction effort at sea. His unparalleled tactical and technical expertise, single-minded tenacity and patience were critical to the effective command of up to nine ships from eight nations with substantially different rules of engagement, communication, information systems and national mandates. His exceptional leadership led directly to the apprehension of four terrorist suspects at sea and prevented senior operatives of the Taliban and al-Qaeda from using the high seas as an escape route. His actions have brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.