Corporal Duval was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, on Operation ATHENA, Task Force Kabul, Afghanistan. In October 2003, as a member of the Initial Response Team, he witnessed a deadly mine strike on a Canadian vehicle patrol near Kabul. Despite the dangers of exploding ammunition and fire, he cautiously entered the dangerous minefield to assist in the rescue of a fallen comrade. In the face of imminent danger throughout the ordeal, Corporal Duval remained calm and distinguished himself in a manner befitting the highest standards of his Regiment and of the Canadian Forces.