The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Owen T. Ward, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Army as Commander Task Force MOREHEAD, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan, from 5 January 2010 to 4 January 2011 during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Lieutenant Colonel Ward’s leadership and mentoring to Transition Camp MOREHEAD Base demonstrated a high level of professionalism, commitment and dedication as he shepherded commandos to effectively train over 2,500 Afghan National Army Commandos and Special Forces Soldiers to protect Afghanistan’s national defense. Lieutenant Colonel Ward’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan and the United States Army.