December 3, 2003 OTTAWA– On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, General Raymond Hénault, Chief of the Defence Staff, will present the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and one Meritorious Service Decoration on Monday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Universiade Pavillion (Butterdome) in Edmonton.Annex A contains more information on these awards and the recipients' citations.- 30 -Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 993-8157 or (613) 998-7280 www.gg.caFor further information on the recipients: Department of National Defence Media Liaison Office (613) 996-2353 or (613) 996-2354Public information: Chancellery of Honours Government House 1-800-465-6890For more information on the Canadian Honours System, please visit the Governor General's web site at www.gg.ca.ANNEX ACommander-in-Chief Unit CommendationThis Commendation was created in 2002 to recognize the outstanding service of Canadian Forces in times of conflict under direct enemy fire. It is open to members of the Canadian Forces, as well as members of the Commonwealth and foreign forces working in conjunction with the Canadian Forces.3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light InfantryBetween 4 February and 30 July 2002, the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group (3 PPCLI BG) spearheaded Operation APOLLO, Canada's contribution to the international war against terrorism in Afghanistan. This was the first deployment into combat operations by a Canadian Army unit against a declared enemy in five decades. The Battle Group was deployed to a heavily mined and war-torn country for operations against an elusive enemy under the most extreme weather conditions. The Battle Group flawlessly conducted three complex air-assault operations into harsh, mountainous terrain, contributed successfully to a fourth, and set the standard within their parent United States Army brigade, Task Force Rakkasan, for security operations on the Kandahar airfield. Well-disciplined and well-led, the Battle Group distinguished itself in every facet of this exceptionally challenging operation. The extraordinary performance of the men and women of 3 PPCLI BG in the war against terrorism has brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.Meritorious Service DecorationsMeritorious Service Decorations are separated into a military and a civil division, with two levels in each category: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity that has brought honour to their community or to Canada.Colonel Francis John Wiercinski, M.S.M. United States Army Dickson City, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, U.S.A. Meritorious Service Medal (military division)Col Wiercinski, an American citizen, was instrumental to the success of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group, which was subordinate to a formation of the United States Army during the war on terrorism in 2002. As Commander of Task Force Rakkasan, Col Wiercinski inspired the Battle Group to perform to their fullest potential during Operation APOLLO/ENDURING FREEDOM. Under Col Wiercinski's leadership and strong support, the Battle Group and its sub-units conducted numerous complex combat missions upon which the credibility of the entire coalition hinged. His outstanding performance brought great honour to Canada.
