During the workshop on the NATO mission in Afghanistan that took place at the NATO Defense College from 14th to 15th July 2011, Lieutenant General Wolf Dieter LOESER, Commandant of the College, was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal. The prestigious award was delivered by Admiral James STAVRIDIS, SACEUR. Also present at the Ceremony were Lieutenant General David RODRIGUEZ, Commander ISAF Joint Command, Vice Admiral Harry B. HARRIS, Striking and Support Forces NATO Commander, and the leadership of the College.
The award citation, signed by the US Secretary of Defense, stated:
“To Lieutenant General Wolf Dieter Loeser for exceptionally meritorious service as the Commandant of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Defense College, from February 2008 to July 2011.
Lieutenant General Loeser’s remarkable leadership enabled the Defense College to effectively adapt its organizations, curriculum, and initiatives to maintain the relevance of its contribution to the United States and the Alliance. His dedicated service continually advanced the goal of the United States to contribute to the effectiveness and cohesion of the Alliance, by developing the College’s role as a major centre of education, study, and research on transatlantic security issues and by fostering strategic level thinking on political-military matters. As a result of Lieutenant General Loeser’s leadership, the College became a dynamic and flexible organization, able to respond to the continually changing security environment and in support of United States and the Alliance’s wider goals. His service as the Commandant of the Alliance’s premier academic institution greatly contributed to the transformation, cohesion, and effectiveness of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Lieutenant General Loeser’s exemplary leadership also benefitted the Armed Forces of the United States, as well as those of its Allies and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization partner nations, for whom Lieutenant General Loeser’s dedicated service has impacted in a most positive and enduring manner. The superior effort, outstanding leadership, and personal initiative displayed by Lieutenant General Loeser reflect great credit upon himself, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the German Army, and his country”.
LtCol. Mario Masdea, Chief Public Affairs and Protocol Officer, ITA-A
NATO Defense College 
