- Awarded on: October 25, 2006
Rank: Master Corporal
Master Corporal Cuppage was deployed with 5 Platoon, B Company, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group during Operation ARCHER Rotation 1. On May 17, 2006, during Operation BRAVO GUARDIAN, his platoon came under intense enemy fire during an ambush. Despite hits on his vehicle by six rocket-propelled grenade rounds, Master Corporal Cuppage maneuvered his light armoured vehicle to cover the remainder of his platoon’s withdrawal and took control of the cannon to engage the enemy. His decisive and selfless actions under fire undoubtedly prevented casualties. Master Corporal Cuppage’s leadership, fortitude, and devotion to duty were exemplary and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.