Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: October 28, 1985
- Invested on: November 20, 1985
Rank: Sergeant
During the period 7 November 1983 to 11 August 1984, Sergeant L.D. Abbott was the non-commissioned officer in charge of military police security guards at the Canadian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. The period was marked by the complete collapse of law and order, and assaults on diplomats and diplomatic premises. In the performance of protective and other duties, Sergeant Abbott frequently risked his life over an extended period to ensure the safety of both Canadian and locally-employed staff members. When a drastic reduction in staff of both flexibility and adaptability. His leadership, professional expertise and qualities of character made a deep impression on all members of the Embassy staff. Sergeant Abbott`s outstandingly professional performance of military duties, tailored to the priority needs of the Canadian Government in Lebanon and frequently beyond those normal for his rank, have brought great credit to both himself and the Canadian Forces.
