CITATIONS
MILITARY VALOUR DECORATIONS
Medal of Military Valour
Corporal Michel Beaulieu, M.M.V.
Ville de La Baie, Valcartier and Québec, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
Corporal Beaulieu was the gunner on board a light armoured vehicle when, on October 5, 2007, during a combat logistic patrol in Afghanistan, the vehicle was severely damaged by an explosive device. Although he was injured and under sustained enemy fire, Corporal Beaulieu dismounted the vehicle and manually engaged the enemy, exposing himself to great peril. His heroic actions contributed to neutralizing the insurgents and saved the lives of many members of his platoon.
Captain Joseph Maurice Jocelyn Bordeleau, M.M.V., C.D.
Québec and Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
On September 25, 2007, while under enemy fire in Afghanistan, Captain Bordeleau expertly directed the intervention of the Quick Reaction Force while administering first aid to a critically wounded soldier. In addition to demonstrating leadership and control, Captain Bordeleau's actions saved the life of a fellow soldier.
Corporal Yan Dodier, M.M.V.
Québec and Magog, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
Corporal Dodier was deployed with B Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, in the volatile district of Zharey, in Afghanistan. On November 17, 2007, during an ongoing combat operation, he selflessly drew enemy fire to his position, allowing the members of his platoon to suppress the enemy, which had surrounded and trapped them for several hours.
Master Corporal Érik Dubois, M.M.V.
Valcartier, Shannon and Pierrefonds, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
On September 27, 2007, despite being wounded during a combat operation, Master Corporal Dubois carried, on his back, a critically wounded comrade over 150 metres of difficult terrain. In addition to assisting the soldier, his actions also enabled the safe withdrawal of his platoon from an enemy kill zone in Afghanistan.
Sergeant Stéphane Girard, M.M.V., C.D.
Valcartier, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome and Magpie, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
On October 10, 2007, Sergeant Girard demonstrated leadership and dedication as a mentor to the Afghan National Army. He selflessly exposed himself to enemy fire to better direct the advancing Afghan soldiers, enabling them to take control of a perilous situation and complete their assigned mission.
Warrant Officer Joseph Yves Léon Gonneville, M.M.V., C.D.
Valcartier and St-Tite, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
On October 23, 2007, during a complex combat operation in the district of Zharey, Warrant Officer Gonneville evacuated two wounded soldiers while under intense fire, and helped to successfully repel a determined enemy as a member of the Operational Mentor and Liaison team, in Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Joseph Jacques Stéphane Grenier, M.M.V., C.D.
Valcartier, Shannon and Saint-Ligouri, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
Warrant Officer Grenier, then Sergeant, distinguished himself by his valiant conduct under intense fire, when his section was ambushed, in Afghanistan, on September 27, 2007. He selflessly exposed himself to great peril when he engaged the enemy to rescue and evacuate two wounded soldiers, all the while coordinating the tactical withdrawal of his troops. His immediate actions contributed to saving numerous lives.
Warrant Officer Joseph Mario Sylvain Isabelle, M.M.V., C.D.
Valcartier, Shannon and Lac-Mégantic, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
On September 24, 2007, during a combat operation in Afghanistan, Warrant Officer Isabelle provided life-saving first aid to seriously injured crewmates after their vehicle was destroyed by an enemy strike. Despite being seriously wounded and completely exposed to enemy fire, he led the successful evacuation of his injured platoon members while directing a counterattack against the insurgents.
Major Michel Louis Lapointe, M.M.V., M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario, Valcartier and Shawinigan-Sud, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
On September 25, 2007, Major Lapointe demonstrated remarkable leadership and courage. He inspired his troops, as well as the members of the Afghan National Police under his command, by quickly forming an ad hoc intervention force to counter a well-coordinated ambush by insurgent forces.
Corporal Edward R.G. Morley, M.M.V.
Edmonton, Alberta and Hamilton, Ontario
Medal of Military Valour
On September 24, 2007, during a combat operation in Afghanistan, Corporal Morley left his own armoured vehicle to provide first aid to a critically wounded soldier until evacuation was possible. Under the threat of the enemy, he reacted courageously to ensure the survival of a comrade.
Corporal Erik Poelzer, M.M.V.
Edmonton, St. Albert and Hinton, Alberta
Medal of Military Valour
On September 24, 2007, during a combat operation in Afghanistan, Corporal Poelzer demonstrated courage and exceptional technical skills by coordinating a vehicle recovery effort through hours of sustained enemy attacks. He continuously exposed himself to great risk while preventing a vital piece of equipment from falling into enemy hands.
Captain Joseph Hughes Stéphane Tremblay, M.M.V., C.D.
Valcartier, Alma and Shannon, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
Acting as a mentor to the Afghan National Army during his deployment, Captain Tremblay, then Lieutenant, led Afghan soldiers during a combat operation on September 8, 2007, under enemy fire. His leadership and courage inspired his troops to bring the mission to its successful completion.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Cross
Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Roger Alain Gauthier, M.S.C., C.D.
Valcartier and Dupuy, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Lieutenant-Colonel Gauthier was deployed as the battle group commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to February 2008. His leadership and strength of character during a critical phase of Afghan development inspired his troops and garnered immeasurable respect from the Afghan and international communities.
Brigadier-General Joseph René Marcel Guy Laroche, O.M.M., M.S.C., C.D.
Valcartier, Boischatel and Saint-Rémi, Quebec
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Brigadier-General Laroche commanded Joint Task Force Afghanistan from August 2007 to March 2008. His leadership, determination and vision were central to Canada's mission in Afghanistan, bringing visible progress and enhancing the quality of life of the people of Kandahar province.
Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Georges Jean Pierre Marchand, M.M.M., M.S.C., C.D.
Valcartier, Québec and Montréal, Quebec
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Chief Warrant Officer Marchand was deployed to Afghanistan as the regimental sergeant major of the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, from July 2007 to March 2008. Determined and unwavering in his concern for the welfare of his troops, he mentored and led them through difficult and traumatic times. His dedication greatly contributed to the battle group's cohesion, morale and extraordinary success.
Master Warrant Officer Joseph Christian Michel Mario Mercier,M.S.C., C.D. (posthumous)
Valcartier, Québec and Sherbrooke (Quebec) Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Master Warrant Officer Mercier was deployed as regimental sergeant major from September 2006 to August 2007. Displaying leadership and devotion to duty, he prepared his soldiers for the challenges they would face in Afghanistan, and inspired them as they went into battle. Sadly, Master Warrant Officer Mercier made the ultimate sacrifice when he succumbed to injuries sustained by an explosion from a roadside bomb.
Meritorious Service Medal
Corporal Julie Marie Micheline Alain, M.S.M.
Valcartier, Saint-Apollinaire and Québec, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
On August 12, 2007, Corporal Alain, a medical technician, displayed exemplary leadership and dedication when she intervened in a mass casualty incident in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. She triaged and treated numerous complex injuries under extremely difficult conditions and, faced with no alternatives, utilized procedures normally performed by medical doctors, which undoubtedly contributed to saving many lives.
Chief Warrant Officer Gilles Arcand, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.
Montréal, Québec, St-Marc-des-Carrières and Pont-Rouge, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Chief Warrant Officer Arcand served as regimental sergeant major of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. His sound advice to senior commanders and coalition counterparts, as well as his inspirational leadership of his troops, contributed to the effectiveness of the task force and enhanced Canada's reputation within the international coalition.
Captain Dennie Bourque, M.S.M.
Valcartier and Québec, Quebec; Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Captain Bourque, then Lieutenant, was deployed as a forward observation officer and air controller with the Operational Mentor Liaison Team, in Afghanistan. From October 29 to November 3, 2007, during a complex and demanding combat operation, he worked well beyond his rank and experience, expertly coordinating aircraft and artillery fire, and minimizing collateral damage alongside the Afghan National Army. His skill allowed for the disruption of insurgent operations, and directly contributed to safeguarding the lives of Canadian and Afghan soldiers.
Corporal Pierre Brûlé Jr., M.S.M.
Valcartier, Québec and Trois-Rivières, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Corporal Brûlé was deployed with the 53rd Engineer Squadron, in Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. Operating the lead vehicle responsible for detecting mines and roadside bombs, he participated in numerous road-opening missions in areas that were subject to enemy attacks. Despite the ever-present danger, he continually pressed on with his mission under the most challenging circumstances, minimizing the number of potential attacks against friendly forces.
Captain Robert Colbourne, M.S.M., C.D.
Valcartier and Québec, Quebec; Mattawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Captain Colbourne was deployed as a member of the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team, in Afghanistan, from August 2007 to February 2008. While leading attacks or coordinating the evacuation of wounded soldiers, he provided guidance through numerous engagements with the enemy under extremely adverse conditions. His leadership and devotion to duty were an inspiration to the Afghan soldiers, encouraging them to excel during difficult operations.
Major Steven Pierre Desjardins, M.S.M., C.D.
Montréal and Saint-Hubert, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Major Steven Desjardins was deployed to Afghanistan as the commanding officer of the All Source Intelligence Centre, from July 2007 to March 2008. His expertise and dedication fostered a synergy between units and within his team, that optimized their capabilities as they established new operational concepts and targeting processes. His leadership, perseverance and sound knowledge were instrumental in the provision of relevant and timely information that proved critical to the success of intelligence-driven operations.
Corporal Philippe Fortin, M.S.M.
Valcartier and Québec, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Corporal Fortin was deployed as a junior mentor to the Afghan National Police, in Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. He distinguished himself as an effective combat soldier and first aid attendant, whose calm composure and fortitude served as an inspiration to both his Canadian colleagues and Afghan counterparts. Corporal Fortin's dedication to duty, self-assurance and proven combat skills represent the finest standards of the Canadian Forces.
Captain Frédérick Jean, M.S.M.
Montréal and St-Lambert, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Captain Jean was deployed as the battle group intelligence officer of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. His innovativeness extended the boundaries of traditional intelligence collection. In a complex and volatile environment, his resourcefulness resulted in timely and actionable intelligence that proved critical to force protection and combat operations.
Major Michel Louis Lapointe, M.M.V., M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario; Valcartier and Shawinigan-Sud, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Major Lapointe was deployed to Afghanistan as a senior mentor with the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team, in Afghanistan, from August 2007 to February 2008. Initiating a novel and robust training program, he led six police sub-stations into action in a two-week period. His expert management of the police teams resulted in a marked decrease in insurgent activity, which gained the trust of the local population and brought great credibility to this Canadian initiative.
Major Patrick Henri Gérard Hubert Robichaud, M.S.M., C.D.
Valcartier and Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Major Robichaud was deployed as the officer commanding C Company of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. Despite heavy casualties, complex terrain and difficult conditions, he successfully led his company through seven major operations and hundreds of patrols. His involvement contributed to increased security and improved conditions in a previously unstable and volatile sector.
BACKGROUNDER
MILITARY VALOUR DECORATIONS
The three Military Valour Decorations, namely the Victoria Cross, the Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour, were created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, on January 1, 1993. The Decorations may be awarded posthumously.
The Victoria Cross is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre‑eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy.
The Star of Military Valour is awarded for distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy.
The Medal of Military Valour is awarded for an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
If a member of our Canadian Forces meets the criteria, a submission will be made through the member's chain of command for consideration by the Military Valour Decorations Advisory Committee, and the Governor General. For all three Military Valour Decorations, recipients must be a member of the Canadian Forces or a member of an allied armed force that is serving with, or in conjunction with, the Canadian Forces, on or after January 1, 1993.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS
The Meritorious Service Decorations include a military division and a civil division, with two levels each: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for their 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 brought honour to the community or to Canada.
The Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces.
The Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) recognizes a military deed or activity performed in a highly professional manner, according to a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces.
These decorations are an important part of the Canadian Honours System, which recognizes excellence. Meritorious Service Decorations honour either a single achievement or an activity over a specified period. The Meritorious Service Decorations are open to both Canadians and non-Canadians.
Anyone may nominate an individual for the civil division of the Meritorious Service Decorations, while military candidates are recommended by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Nominations and awards may be made posthumously, but nominations for activities that occurred prior to June 1984, the year in which the honour was first created, are not accepted.
