O’Connor awarded Legion of Merit

By Summer BarkleyJuly 29, 2011

O' Connor recieves award
Maj. Gen. Timothy P. McHale, Deputy Commander – Support, United States Forces Afghanistan, shakes hands with Col. Richard B. O’Connor, 401st Army Field Support Brigade commander following presenting O’Connor with a Legion of Merit and Afghanistan and... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan--Col. Richard B. O’Connor, II, outgoing 401st Army Field Support Brigade commander, was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Afghanistan and NATO campaign medals by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. McHale, Deputy Commander " Support, United States Forces Afghanistan, during an awards ceremony July 17.

The awards ceremony was prior to a change of command ceremony in which he relinquished command to Col. Michel M. Russell, Sr. O’Connor is slated to be the director for the Defense Coordination Office, U.S. Army North.

The Legion of Merit is usually awarded to Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force general officers and colonels, and Navy and Coast Guard flag officers and captains occupying command or very senior staff positions in their respective services for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.