Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: February 16, 1996
- Invested on: March 15, 1996
Rank: Major-General
From April 1994 until June 1995, Major-General Kotil served with the United Nations Protection Force as Commander Sector South in the former Yugoslavia, with members of the Canadian Forces under his command. During numerous periods of heightened tension, he provided outstanding leadership and demonstrated extreme courage and professionalism. On more than one occasion, his personal intervention in tenuous situations calmed difficult negotiations and protected the lives of Canadians. Through his effective command of Canadian soldiers, his performance and actions brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and Canada.
