OTTAWA-Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, will present Military Valour Decorations and Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division) to members of the Canadian Forces, at the Citadelle, the official residence of the Governor General in Quebec City, on June 27, 2008, at 2 p.m.
The Governor General will present 12 Military Valour Medals to members of the Canadian Forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat, as well as four Meritorious Service Crosses (Military Division) and 10 Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to members of the Canadian Forces whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
-30-
A media schedule for the presentation ceremony (Annex A), the list of recipients (Annex B) and a backgrounder (Annex C) are attached. Media interested in covering this event are asked to contact the Rideau Hall Press Office before the day of the ceremony.
Media information
Rideau Hall Press Office
Marie-Paule Thorn
613-993-2569 / (cell.): 613-301-2764
www.gg.ca / www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
Department of National Defence
Media Liaison Office
1-866-377-0811 or 613-996-2353
Annex A - Schedule
Members of the media are asked to observe the following schedule:
1:30 p.m. Arrival of media
2 p.m. Arrival of the Governor General
The Governor General speaks
The Governor General presents recipients with their decorations
The Chief of the Land Staff speaks
3:30 p.m. National anthem - End of ceremony
3:35 p.m. Media interviews with recipients
Annex B - Recipients
Military Valour Decorations
Medal of Military Valour
Corporal Michel Beaulieu, M.M.V.
Captain Joseph Maurice Jocelyn Bordeleau, M.M.V., C.D.
Corporal Yan Dodier, M.M.V.
Master Corporal Érik Dubois, M.M.V.
Sergeant Stéphane Girard, M.M.V., C.D.
Warrant Officer Joseph Yves Léon Gonneville, M.M.V., C.D.
Warrant Officer Joseph Jacques Stéphane Grenier, M.M.V., C.D.
Warrant Officer Joseph Mario Sylvain Isabelle, M.M.V., C.D.
Major Michel Louis Lapointe, M.M.V., M.S.M., C.D.
Corporal Edward R.G. Morley, M.M.V.
Corporal Erik Poelzer, M.M.V.
Captain Joseph Hugues Stéphane Tremblay, M.M.V., C.D.
Ville de La Baie, Valcartier and Québec, Que.
Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Que.
Valcartier, Shannon and Pierrefonds, Que.
Valcartier, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome and Magpie, Que.
Valcartier and Saint-Tite, Que.
Valcartier, Shannon and Saint-Ligouri, Que.
Valcartier, Shannon and Lac-Mégantic, Que.
Ottawa, Ont.; Valcartier and Shawinigan-Sud, Que.
Edmonton, Alta.; and Hamilton, Ont.
Edmonton, St. Albert and Hinton, Alta.
Valcartier, Alma and Shannon, Que.
Meritorious Service Decorations
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Roger Alain Gauthier, M.S.C., C.D.
Brigadier-General Joseph René Marcel Guy Laroche, O.M.M., M.S.C., C.D.
Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Georges Jean Pierre Marchand, M.M.M., M.S.C., C.D.
Master Warrant Officer Joseph Christian Michel Mario Mercier, M.S.C., C.D. (posthumous)
Valcartier, Dupuy, Que., and Ottawa, Ont.
Valcartier, Boischatel and Saint-Rémi, Que.
Valcartier, Québec and Montréal, Que.
Valcartier, Québec and Sherbrooke, Que.
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Corporal Julie Marie Micheline Alain, M.S.M.
Chief Warrant Officer Gilles Arcand, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.
Captain Dennie Bourque, M.S.M.
Corporal Pierre Brûlé Jr., M.S.M.
Captain Robert Colbourne, M.S.M., C.D.
Major Steven Pierre Desjardins, M.S.M., C.D.
Corporal Philippe Fortin, M.S.M.
Captain Frédérick Jean, M.S.M.
Major Michel Louis Lapointe, M.M.V., M.S.M., C.D.
Valcartier, Saint-Apollinaire and Québec, Que.
Montréal, Québec, Saint-Marc-des-Carrières and Pont-Rouge, Que.
Valcartier, Québec, Que., and Yarmouth, N.S.
Valcartier, Québec and Trois-Rivières, Que.
Valcartier, Québec, Que.; and Mattawa, Ont.
Montréal and Saint-Hubert, Que.
Valcartier and Québec, Que.
Montréal and Saint-Lambert, Que.
Valcartier, Shawinigan-Sud, Que.; and Ottawa, Ont.
Major Patrick Henri Gérard Hubert Robichaud, M.S.M., C.D.
Valcartier and Rouyn-Noranda, Que.
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 Saint-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 through 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 company sergeant major from July 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 assessed and treated numerous complex injuries under extremely difficult conditions and, faced with no alternatives, used 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, Saint-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 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, which 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 Saint-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.
Annex C - 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 December 31, 1992 and are in effect since January 1st, 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 (Military Division)
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 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 to the Governor General 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 Meritorious Service Decorations were first created, are not accepted.
