CITATIONS
MILITARY VALOUR DECORATIONS
Corporal Jeremy Pinchin, S.M.V.
Pembroke, Ontario
Star of Military Valour
On November16, 2008, Master Corporal Pinchin's small sniper detachment was on an isolated rooftop, in Zhari District, Afghanistan, protecting the southern flank of a joint Canadian-Afghan patrol. As they were advancing on an enemy position, they were attacked and outnumbered by a well-coordinated group of insurgents. When a fellow soldier sustained a life-threatening wound, Master Corporal Pinchin immediately administered first aid and shielded him, thus exposing himself to great risk. Fortunately, his protective armour bore the brunt of several enemy strikes as he aided his comrade. Master Corporal Pinchin's selfless act of heroism saved the life of a fellow soldier.
Corporal Richard L. Anderson , M.M.V.
Petawawa, Ontario and Bathurst, New Brunswick
Medal of Military Valour
On January 31, 2009, Corporal Anderson came under small arms fire with his joint Canadian-Afghan patrol, in Zhari District, Afghanistan. During the initial stages of the ambush, an Afghan soldier was severely wounded and lay exposed to the relentless attack. As the battle raged around him, Corporal Anderson exposed himself to enemy fire while he and the patrol medic attempted to move the soldier to safety. With no cover, he immediately began to provide first aid despite enemy rounds impacting inches from his position. Corporal Anderson's selfless disregard for his personal safety saved the wounded soldier's life.
Corporal Mark Robert McLaren , M.M.V. (Deceased)
Omemee, Ontario
Medal of Military Valour
On November 6, 2008, Corporal McLaren's joint Canadian-Afghan patrol was ambushed in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The attack seriously injured his team's Afghan interpreter, paralyzing him and leaving him exposed to further enemy fire. Heedless to the incoming fire, Corporal McLaren crawled 10 metres to his colleague's position, extracted him to a safe location and administered first aid. Corporal McLaren's courage and selfless devotion to his team prevented the interpreter's immediate loss and allowed for his safe evacuation.
Corporal Joshua O'Toole , M.M.V.
Petawawa, Ontario
Medal of Military Valour
On October 21, 2008, Corporal O'Toole was manning the defensive tower of a combat outpost, in Afghanistan, when it was attacked by insurgents. As rounds impacted the tower and rocket-propelled grenades sailed over his head, Corporal O'Toole left the security of his location to fire an anti-armour weapon at the attackers' location. After a successful hit, he remained in a highly vulnerable position, taking up a heavy machine gun to continue returning fire. Corporal O'Toole's fearless and relentless actions suppressed the enemy, allowing friendly forces to quickly establish defensive positions and defeat the attack.
Master Corporal David Richard Tedford , M.M.V., C.D.
Pembroke and Omemee, Ontario
Medal of Military Valour
On October 8, 2008, Master Corporal Tedford's patrol was ambushed in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. While providing cover for exposed troops, his vehicle's main cannon jammed. As his gunner attempted to fix the weapon, he rose out of the turret to return fire with the machine gun mounted atop the vehicle. Realizing the cannon could not be repaired from inside, he exited the vehicle amidst a hail of bullets, cleared the jam and began pouring heavy fire upon the enemy. With fearless determination, Master Corporal Tedford's selfless action in suppressing the enemy throughout the firefight ensured his patrol's successful fighting withdrawal.
Master Corporal Michael Trauner , M.M.V.
Petawawa and Sudbury, Ontario
Medal of Military Valour
On September 18, 2008, Master Corporal Trauner was providing security for military engineers, in Western Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle's main armament was destroyed by a rocket-propelled grenade strike. With his dismounted colleagues pinned down by the ambush, he immediately emerged from the turret to engage the attackers with the machine gun mounted atop the vehicle. By placing himself in a highly exposed and vulnerable position, he was able to suppress insurgent fire and protect his fellow soldiers. Master Corporal Trauner's selfless and tenacious actions undoubtedly saved many Canadian and Afghan lives.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS
Sergeant Nicholas Samuel James Deriger , M.S.C., C.D.
Petawawa and Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Sergeant Deriger was deployed to Afghanistan as an explosive ordnance disposal commander, from September 2008 to May 2009. While leading over 50 successful counter-improvised explosive device operations, he personally dismantled nearly every device and ensured the operations were conducted quickly and efficiently. He uncovered critical information on new insurgent tactics that led directly to adjustments in Task Force search techniques. Sergeant Deriger's leadership, courage and selfless work ethic significantly reduced the threat of improvised explosive device attacks in his area of operations.
Sergeant Darrell Lawrence Spence , M.S.C., C.D.
Deep River, Ontario and Springhill, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Sergeant Spence was deployed to Afghanistan as the primary engineering advisor to the officer commanding a reconnaissance squadron, from September 2008 to April 2009. Despite not having access to the full range of engineering equipment, he developed mitigating strategies that enabled him to perform tasks better suited to dedicated engineering units. Sergeant Spence overcame the difficulties associated with operating in a remote region. His selflessness and skills provided immediate protection to ground troops and ensured the successful forensic analysis at the scene of multiple improvised explosive device attacks.
Lieutenant-Colonel Dana Jeffrey Woodworth , M.S.C., C.D.
Edmonton, Alberta
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Lieutenant-Colonel Woodworth was deployed to Afghanistan as the commanding officer of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team, from January 2008 to February 2009. With an expanding civilian presence, he encouraged co-operation and openness that helped forge the unit into a unified military-civilian team. In response to the Sarposa Prison break, he developed a security plan that enabled Afghan National Security Forces to take the lead in defending Kandahar City. Lieutenant-Colonel Woodworth's outstanding leadership advanced Canada's strategic initiatives in Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Russell Keith Arsenault , M.S.M., C.D.
Petawawa, Ontario and O'Leary, Prince Edward Island
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Warrant Officer Arsenault was deployed to Afghanistan with the Battle Group, from September 2008 to April 2009. Throughout multiple combat operations, his calm demeanour and expert direction enabled his soldiers to persevere in the face of intense enemy actions. As acting commander on several occasions, he seamlessly led his platoon through the successful completion of numerous challenging operations in highly volatile circumstances. Warrant Officer Arsenault fostered a sense of cohesion within his platoon that directly contributed to the company's operational success.
Major Orest Babij , M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa and St. Catharines, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Major Babij was deployed to Afghanistan as the commanding officer of the All Source Intelligence Centre, from September 2008 to April 2009. With an in-depth understanding of the insurgency, he led his team in the production of intelligence products that enabled the targeting of insurgent commanders, reduced rocket attacks against Kandahar Airfield and facilitated the removal of several improvised explosive device networks. By providing current information on the constantly changing battle space, Major Babij and his team enabled numerous Canadian and coalition field commanders to conduct immediate and successful operations against enemy forces.
Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Ronald Barrett , M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
From September 2008 to April 2009, Lieutenant-Colonel Barrett's command of 3 rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, enabled Joint Task Force Afghanistan to adopt and sustain an offensive spirit. Fully embracing intelligence-led operations, he determined the insurgents' weaknesses and attacked them relentlessly and with precision. Lieutenant-Colonel Barrett's outstanding leadership forged a highly disciplined Battle Group that successfully dismantled extensive improvised explosive device networks, uncovered numerous enemy supply caches and overtook insurgent command and control cells.
Lieutenant-Colonel James Frederick Camsell , M.S.M., C.D.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Lieutenant-Colonel Camsell deployed to Afghanistan as a mentor to the head of logistics of an Afghan National Army (ANA) brigade, from September 2008 to April 2009. His collaborative approach and articulated vision enabled him to introduce initiatives that vastly improved the efficiency of the brigade's re-supply system. These initiatives were eventually adopted across Regional Command (South). Lieutenant-Colonel Camsell's dedication to developing a more responsive and capable sustainment system for the ANA greatly enhanced operational effectiveness.
Lieutenant-Colonel Frances Chilton-Mackay , O.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Lieutenant-Colonel Chilton-Mackay has volunteered her time and expertise as the director of Music of the Governor General's Foot Guards Regimental Band. Since 2006, she has been the driving force in providing an unparalleled level of musical support to numerous events at the local, national and international levels. She has worked tirelessly to foster morale and to build the Canadian Forces' esprit de corps through these musical performances. Under her dynamic leadership, she has effectively projected a positive image of the Canadian Forces, both at home and abroad.
Colonel Christopher John Coates , M.S.M., C.D.
Kingston, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Colonel Coates was the first commander of the Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing, from November 2008 to April 2009. Under pressure to get the newly formed air wing operational as soon as possible, he overcame numerous logistical challenges to ensure the rapid introduction of critical aviation capabilities to Afghanistan. Colonel Coates' efforts have augmented Canadian operational capability, enhancing the security and mobility of ground forces across the theatre of operations.
Master Warrant Officer Kevin Joseph Ralph Donovan , M.S.M., C.D.
Petawawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Master Warrant Officer Donovan was deployed to Afghanistan with the Battle Group as Mike Company sergeant-major, from September 2008 to April 2009. Taking charge of the multinational patrol base, he oversaw the construction and modification of defensive facilities that significantly reduced the base's vulnerability to attacks. During combat operations, his tactical acumen and composure under fire motivated and inspired his subordinates and encouraged their pursuit of the enemy. Master Warrant Officer Donovan's unwavering dedication and frontline leadership ensured his company's operational success.
Warrant Officer Richard Dubé , M.S.M., C.D.
Edmonton, Alberta and Brossard, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Warrant Officer Dubé was deployed to Afghanistan from November 2008 to April 2009. He arrived in advance of Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) to set the conditions for the unit's seamless integration into Afghanistan's multinational aviation community. Called upon to fill the role of officer commanding the Logistics Flight, due to his previous successes, he ensured that Task Force Air Wing units had the necessary logistical support to keep their aircraft flying. Warrant Officer Dubé's initiative and logistical acumen enhanced the security and mobility of ground troops across Afghanistan.
Master Warrant Officer Luc Emond , M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario and Lévis, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Master Warrant Officer Emond was deployed as the senior aircraft maintenance superintendent for Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan), from December 2008 to April 2009. He established mutually beneficial relationships that enabled his unit's rapid and seamless integration into Afghanistan's multinational aviation community, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of critical aviation capabilities. Master Warrant Officer Emond's remarkable focus and dedicated effort to ensure the smooth operation of Canadian and coalition aircraft enhanced the security and mobility of ground troops across the theatre of operations.
Captain David Fearon , M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa and Elmvale, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Captain Fearon was deployed to Afghanistan from September 2008 to April 2009. He built the Tactical Operations Centre into a highly efficient and cohesive support unit that ensured the proper combat assets and tools were provided to the Battle Group during several major operations. His composure, focus and ability to maintain situational awareness allowed him to simultaneously coordinate responses to multiple combat actions. Captain Fearon's professionalism and tactical acumen were instrumental to the operational success of the Battle Group.
Master Warrant Officer David Eugene Fisher , M.S.M., C.D.
Petawawa, Ontario and Stephenville Crossing, Newfoundland and Labrador
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Master Warrant Officer Fisher deployed to Afghanistan as an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team Company sergeant-major, from September 2008 to April 2009. His steadfast patience, knowledge of counter-insurgency operations and constant presence among Afghan soldiers contributed significantly to the professional development of the Afghan non-commissioned officer corps in Panjwaii District. Master Warrant Officer Fisher's leadership, courage under fire and endless dedication to his soldiers ensured the operational success of Afghan National Army units in the region.
Colonel Richard Joseph Delphis Gervais , M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Colonel Gervais was deployed to the Sinai Peninsula as chief of liaison for the Multinational Forces and Observers and as commander of Task Force El Gorah, from July 2008 to July 2009. During times of open hostility and great regional tensions along the Egypt-Israel border, his tactful diplomacy ensured effective communications between all parties, which was essential to maintaining or restoring calm. Colonel Gervais' diplomatic skills contributed to the operational strength of the Task Force, highlighting Canada's contribution to the greater Middle East peace process.
Chief Warrant Officer Ernest Joseph Hall , M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.
Petawawa and Perth, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Chief Warrant Officer Hall was deployed to Afghanistan as the regimental sergeant-major for 3 rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, from September 2008 to April 2009. His dedicated operational focus provided the Battle Group with a stabilizing influence during multiple combat operations. He provided solid advice to his commanding officer, set an outstanding example for soldiers to follow and actively fostered teamwork within the entire Task Force. Chief Warrant Officer Hall's leadership and professionalism were instrumental to the Battle Group's operational success.
Master Corporal William Thomas Hoggarth , M.S.M., C.D.
Amherstview, Ontario and Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Master Corporal Hoggarth was deployed to a forward operating base in Afghanistan from September 2008 to April 2009. Responding to feedback from ground troops, he designed and implemented armour packages that increased the survivability of logistics vehicles in combat. He tirelessly maintained anti-mine equipment aboard tanks and modified the vehicles to make them safer under fire. He also built defensive improvements within the base that increased the safety of all personnel. Master Corporal Hoggarth's ability to innovate and his outstanding work ethic greatly contributed to the safety of Canadian troops.
Brigadier-General Alan John Howard , M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
From April 2008 to March 2009, Brigadier-General Howard displayed exemplary leadership and innovation in developing aspects of the Afghan National Army (ANA) at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. He routinely visited ANA units in the field, sharing in their risk and gaining their trust and confidence. His personal and professional relationships with senior ANA leaders directly enhanced their professionalism. Brigadier-General Howard's leadership and work ethic greatly contributed to ensuring Afghanistan's defence institutions were robust, operationally focused and strategically prepared.
Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel S. Hurlbut , M.S.M.
Fort Benning, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
While deployed to Afghanistan from July 2008 to June 2009, Lieutenant-Colonel Hurlbut, commanding officer of an American infantry battalion, provided outstanding support to the Canadian Forces. Tasked with defining the combat zone in Maywand District for the Canadian contingent, he demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the insurgency and the region's complex political situation. He expertly led his soldiers in multiple counter-insurgency operations while simultaneously expanding the Afghan government's influence. Lieutenant-Colonel Hurlbut's leadership and dedication contributed to Canada's operational success in Afghanistan, enhancing Canadian-American relations.
Master Warrant Officer Lewis Duthie Joseph Lavoie , M.S.M., C.D.
Petawawa and Marathon, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Master Warrant Officer Lavoie was deployed to Afghanistan as the company sergeant-major for Battle Group Headquarters, from September 2008 to April 2009. During an intensive combat tour, he provided advice to Battle Group soldiers, commanders and other Task Force units during the planning and execution of operations. Whether personally tracking casualty evacuations, facilitating ramp ceremonies or visiting hospitals, his compassion for wounded soldiers drew accolades from across the Task Force. Master Warrant Officer Lavoie's outstanding leadership and professionalism contributed to the Battle Group's operational success.
Major Robert Walter McBride , M.S.M., C.D.
North York and Petawawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Major McBride was deployed to Afghanistan as the officer commanding a rifle company, from September 2008 to February 2009. He expertly led numerous counter-insurgency operations while simultaneously coordinating security, governance and development in Zhari District. With the entire Task Force focused on his area of operations, he demonstrated an exceptional ability to interpret command intent and gain the co-operation of Afghan leaders, civilian partners and allied forces. Major McBride's outstanding leadership of his company directly contributed to the Task Force's operational success.
Master Warrant Officer Shawn Anthony Mercer , M.S.M., C.D.
Petawawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Master Warrant Officer Mercer was deployed to Afghanistan as a reconnaissance squadron sergeant-major, from September 2008 to April 2009. While concurrently managing the responsibility of a forward operating base, his role in the Quick Reaction Force was to ensure immediate responses were provided to improvised explosive detonations and other forms of attack. His experience and leadership not only provided insight into operational planning, but also was an inspiration to soldiers facing the loss of comrades. Master Warrant Officer Mercer's dedication ensured his squadron's operational success.
Lieutenant-Colonel Scott Miller , M.S.M.
Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Colonel Theodore E. Osowski , M.S.M.
Las Vegas, Nevada and Flushing, Michigan, United States of America
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Lieutenant-Colonel Miller and Colonel Osowski of the United States Air Force, commanded the 62 nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron and the 451 st Air Expeditionary Group, respectively, in Afghanistan, from September 2008 to April 2009. Their units' seamless integration with the Canadian Battle Group ensured uninterrupted access to dedicated close air support, resulting in successful operations against insurgents across Kandahar province. Whether personally flying missions, providing advice to the Battle Group commander or ensuring their units' technical and tactical excellence, Lieutenant-Colonel Miller's and Colonel Osowski's efforts diminished insurgent fighting ability, saved Canadian lives and enhanced the Task Force's operational effectiveness.
Master Warrant Officer Eric John Rolfe , M.S.M., C.D.
Oromocto, New Brunswick and New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Master Warrant Officer Rolfe was deployed to Afghanistan as the November Company sergeant-major, from September 2008 to April 2009. He provided insight into the combat planning process and ensured tactically sound operations. In the face of horrific improvised explosive device attacks, he effectively managed casualty extraction while simultaneously encouraging his soldiers to persevere. Master Warrant Officer Rolfe's courage and leadership under fire ensured his company's operational success.
Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Stephen Shipley , M.S.M., C.D.
Windsor Junction and Halifax, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Lieutenant-Colonel Shipley was deployed as the commanding officer of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, from September 2008 to April 2009. His understanding of Afghan culture and firm grasp of existing Afghan capabilities enabled him to greatly increase the Afghan National Army's capacity to take a lead role in the struggle against insurgents in the province. Colonel Shipley's operational focus and commanding presence not only brought an Afghan brigade to competency, but also provided inspiration to the entire OMLT.
Major Dean Dwayne Tremblay , M.S.M., C.D.
Bath, Ontario and Halifax, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Major Tremblay was deployed to Afghanistan as the officer commanding a reconnaissance squadron, from September 2008 to February 2009. He expertly led numerous successful operations while simultaneously mentoring an Afghan reconnaissance company and coordinating security, governance and development of infrastructures in Arghandab District. His ability to gain the co-operation of Afghan leaders, civilian partners and allied forces enabled the precise targeting of insurgent networks throughout this dangerous and complex region. Major Tremblay's leadership of his squadron directly contributed to the Task Force's operational success.
Major Russell Neal Washburn , M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario and St. George, New Brunswick
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
From September 2008 to April 2009, Major Washburn's outstanding mentorship of and excellent rapport with the commanding officers of two Afghan National Army infantry brigades enabled him to significantly progress their professional leadership qualities. With the brigades dispersed across Zhari District, he developed ingenious methods to ensure the optimal placement of his mentoring resources. Major Washburn's diplomatic and leadership skills enhanced the officers' capacities and abilities to effectively lead their soldiers, which earned him their respect as a combat leader and trusted advisor.
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.
Anyone can propose a nomination for the Military Valour Decorations. 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.
