Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2018-12-20
Invested on: 2021-05-27
While deployed to Ukraine from September 2017 to March 2018, Chief Warrant Officer Durnford forged key relationships between Ukraine and Canada, and served as an exemplary role model to both senior and junior soldiers. As the Joint Task Force regimental sergeant-major, he made important contributions to the development of the Ukrainian non-commissioned officers corps, notably by establishing training cadres at various military academies in Ukraine. Respected for his dedication and professionalism, he greatly enhanced Canada’s collaborative reputation abroad.