Retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh was recently awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM) for his direct participation and leadership in Task Force Hurricane Sandy.

In October 2012, Walsh supervised personnel, facilities, and equipment preparation to ensure the quick response to what would become the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history. During and after Hurricane Sandy, he and 1,039 personnel responded to 68 FEMA mission assignments throughout nine states. Among the missions included the installation of 199 generators, providing 512 truckloads of water, and the removal of more than 180,000 cubic yards of debris.

Walsh joined Dewberry in January 2014 as vice president of water resources and coastal resiliency after more than 36 years of service. In his most recent position as deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations for USACE, Walsh was responsible for a $10 billion annual program supervising all civil works activities nationwide, and 24,888 employees who operate and maintain infrastructure valued at $232 billion.

The HSM was created under the executive order of President Gerald Ford to recognize members of the U.S. armed forces who distinguish themselves through hands-on involvement in operations of a humanitarian nature. Past medals have been awarded for non-combatant evacuation from hostile areas, refugee support, natural disaster response, and direct participation in halting epidemics, pandemics, and other outbreaks.