VALOUR

 

Canada’s 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 1 January 1993. All 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 or 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.

Additionally, the Mention in Dispatches was created to recognize members of the Canadian Forces on active service and other individuals working with or in conjunction with the Canadian Forces for valiant conduct, devotion to duty, or other distinguished service. Recipients are entitled to wear a bronze oak leaf on the appropriate campaign or service medal ribbon. Like the military valour decorations, the Mention in Dispatches may be awarded posthumously.

Victoria Cross

Star of Military Valour

Medal of Military Valour

On 13 December 2011, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented three Military Valour Decorations and 42 Meritorious Service Decorations to members of Canadian and allied forces. The Governor General said, in part:

“Each of you has demonstrated your understanding of the Canadian military ethos, and your role in representing the values of Canada … Showing extraordinary courage, resolve and ingenuity in difficult conditions, you exemplify the ideal of service to country.”

“… The decorations you are receiving today are a testament to your courage, your ability and your determination. Together, you embody our commitment to the rights and freedoms we cherish in a democratic society, and to the personal values of duty, honour, and service. On behalf of all Canadians, thank you.”

MILITARY VALOUR DECORATIONS

Medal of Military Valour

Private Tony Rodney Vance Harris, MMV ~ Penfield, NB
Warrant Officer Michael William Jackson, MMV, CD ~ Abbotsford, BC
Captain Michael A. MacKillop, MMV, CD ~ Calgary, AB

CITATIONS

Private Tony Rodney Vance Harris, MMV
Penfield, New Brunswick
Medal of Military Valour

On November 23, 2009, Private Harris was at Forward Operating Base Wilson, in Afghanistan, when insurgents unleashed a mortar attack. Without regard for his own safety, he ran to the scene of the impact and provided first aid to American soldiers. Noticing another soldier trapped inside a burning sea container, Private Harris went to his aid, single-handedly pulled him to safety and rendered life-saving first aid as rounds continued to fall. Private Harris’ courageous and decisive actions under fire that day saved several lives and brought great credit to Canada.

Warrant Officer Michael William Jackson, MMV, CD
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Master Corporal Paul Alexander Munroe, MMV, CD
Stonewall and Swan River, Manitoba
Medal of Military Valour

In the midst of a three-hour battle in Afghanistan on August 19, 2006, Warrant Officer Jackson and Master Corporal Munroe’s platoon was forced to conduct a withdrawal while under enemy fire. Fully exposed to the violence of the enemy, these soldiers risked their lives to coordinate the safe movement of personnel and damaged vehicles. Their heroic actions under constant fire enabled the platoon to regroup and continue the fight, while denying the enemy an opportunity to capture and make use of stricken Canadian equipment.

Master Corporal Munroe received his insignia at an earlier ceremony.

Captain Michael A. MacKillop, MMV, CD
Calgary, Alberta
Medal of Military Valour

As commander of a reconnaissance platoon from October 2009 to May 2010, Captain MacKillop disrupted insurgent activities in a volatile sector of Afghanistan through his courageous and relentless engagement of the enemy. Often facing fierce resistance and fire from multiple directions, he remained composed during intense battles, calmly providing direction and constantly looking to gain the advantage. Captain MacKillop’s exceptional leadership under fire and his ability to get the most from his soldiers were critical to consistently defeating insurgents in Afghanistan.

On December 14, 2011, Governor General Johnston announced the names of 23 individuals mentioned in dispatches for specific achievements that have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. Mentions in Dispatches are a national honour created to recognize valiant conduct, devotion to duty or other distinguished service.

MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES

Master Corporal Martin Amyot	Montréal, Que.
Corporal Joshua Antonio	Lautoka, Fiji
Captain Breen Carson	Toronto, Ont.
Corporal Neil Dancer	Halifax, N.S.
Corporal Andrew Paul Downer	Richmond Hill, Ont
Master Corporal Evan Duff	North Bay, Ont.
Corporal Joseph Don Henry	St. John, N.B
Corporal Shaun Hofer	Carberry, Man.
Major Robert Mathew Hume, CD	Halifax, N.S.
Private Kirk Farrell	Barrie, Ont.
Sergeant Patrick Michael Farrell, CD	Conception Bay, N.L.
Sergeant Jedd Michael Lafleche	Ottawa, Ont.
Master Corporal Ian Matthews-Pestana	Edmonton, Alta.
Sergeant James Ray Brent Martin, CD	Ottawa, Ont.
Master Corporal Stuart Douglas Murray, CD	Moncton, N.B.
Private Christopher Joseph Novak	Fredericton, N.B.
Lieutenant Brian Riddell	Oshawa, Ont.
Corporal Corey J. Sagstuen, CD	Edmonton, Alta.
Warrant Officer Lawrence Jeffrey Schnurr, CD	Calgary, Alta.
Sergeant P. Michel Simoneau, CD	Québec, Que.
Master Corporal Jayson Swift	Victoria, B.C.
Lieutenant Matthew Tompkins	Brookville, Ont.

*For operational and security reasons, the name of one other recipient mentioned in dispatches will not be released.

On 26 January, 2012, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented seven Medals of Military Valour to members of the Canadian Forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat, and 32 Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. The Governor General said, in part:

“Each of you has shown great courage and determination in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. You have tackled challenges of global importance. You have contributed greatly to the safety of people at home and abroad,. And you have played an essential role in shaping how the Canadian Forces are perceived… Each person’s accomplishments within the Canadian Forces are laid bare in these pages, their skill and bravery plain to see… Congratulations to all the recipients. You continue to make us proud through your actions and service to Canada and the world. Thank you.”

MILITARY VALOUR DECORATIONS

Medal of Military Valour

Captain William Todd Fielding, MMV, CD ~  Niagara Falls, Ont.
Master Corporal Adam Holmes, MMV ~  Kapuskasing, Ont.
Master Corporal Gilles-Remi Mikkelson, MMV ~ Bella Coola, B.C.
Private Philip Millar, MMV ~ Lower Sackville, N.S.
Master Corporal Douglas Mitchell, MMV ~ Weymouth, N.S.
Private John Nelson, MMV ~ Wiseton, Sask.
Sergeant Graham Marc Verrier, MMV, CD ~ Winnipeg, Man.

CITATIONS

Captain William Todd Fielding, MMV, CD
Niagara Falls, Ontario

Medal of Military Valour

On August 5, 2010, Captain Fielding’s Chinook helicopter was struck by enemy fire, in Panjwaji, Afghanistan, causing the fuel tank to explode and rendering the aircraft nearly inoperable. With the helicopter in flames and the cockpit rapidly filling with smoke, Captain Fielding made the time-critical decision to land in enemy territory rather than fly to a friendly landing zone. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty allowed him to execute an emergency landing and then lead the evacuation of the burning aircraft. His actions no doubt saved the lives of all crew and passengers that day.

Master Corporal Adam Holmes, MMV
Kapuskasing, Ontario
Medal of Military Valour

From July 30 to August 2, 2010, Master Corporal Holmes displayed tremendous courage and continuous composure while coordinating exceptional fire support during a four-day combat operation. Constantly under fire, he willingly and repeatedly exposed himself to attack while identifying enemy positions and directing fire upon them. In addition, he single-handedly turned back a group of insurgents who had come within 30 metres of a friendly position. Master Corporal Holmes’ valour and determination were critical to the success of the operation.

Master Corporal Gilles-Remi Mikkelson, MMV
Bella Coola, British Columbia
Medal of Military Valour

On November 1, 2009, a member of Master Corporal Mikkelson’s joint Canadian-Afghan foot patrol was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device. During the ensuing ambush, Master Corporal Mikkelson selflessly crossed through intense enemy fire to provide life-saving first aid to the critically wounded Afghan soldier. Despite the danger, his outstanding courage saved a comrade’s life and brought great credit to Canada and the Canadian Forces.

Private Philip Millar, MMV
Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia
Medal of Military Valour

On November 23, 2009, Private Millar demonstrated great heroism during an insurgent attack on Forward Operating Base Wilson, in Afghanistan. With mortar rounds falling around him, he unhesitatingly ran to the impact area to provide first aid to a seriously wounded American soldier. Despite the danger, he remained with the casualty, fully exposed to the attack. Private Millar’s courageous actions under fire allowed for the best possible treatment to his comrade and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.

Master Corporal Paul Douglas Mitchell, MMV
Weymouth, Nova Scotia
Medal of Military Valour

On June 5 and July 18, 2010, Master Corporal Mitchell’s front line devotion to duty and courageous actions under fire were instrumental in the defeat of two sustained insurgent attacks. While repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire and fearlessly maintaining his position, he inspired other soldiers and ultimately repelled the enemy attacks. Master Corporal Mitchell’s selfless actions and disregard for his own safety undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Private John Nelson, MMV
Wiseton, Saskatchewan
Medal of Military Valour

On June 16, 2010, Private Nelson’s foot patrol came under attack by insurgents on three sides, in Afghanistan. Upon hearing of a casualty, Private Nelson, under his own initiative, rushed headlong into the raging battle to reach his wounded comrade. Bullets rained around them as he administered first aid. While risking his own life, Private Nelson displayed courage, composure and selflessness as he rendered the necessary assistance to save the life of a fellow Canadian soldier.

Sergeant Graham Marc Verrier, MMV, CD
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Medal of Military Valour

On July 31, 2010, Sergeant Verrier’s patrol was caught in open terrain by an insurgent ambush, during an operation in Afghanistan. Despite being fully exposed to enemy fire, he immediately initiated a frontal assault on the enemy position. He also inspired his fellow soldiers to follow and relentlessly engaged the insurgents until they broke contact. Sergeant Verrier’s selfless, courageous and decisive actions under fire were critical to protecting the remainder of his platoon and defeating the enemy ambush.