Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: October 5, 1987
- Invested on: June 01, 1988
Rank: Private
During August 1986, while employed on peacekeeping duties in Nicosia, Cyprys, Private St.Denis was involved in three potentially volatile situations as a member of a patrol endeavouring the re-establish a United Nations presence in a disputed area of the Buffer Zone. Each occurrence led to a confrontation with armed Turkish-Cypriot forces who were determined to proclaim sovereignty over the area. Even in the face of extreme provocation, and despite physical abuse and numerous threats of death at gunpoint, he maintained his composure and, in a calm, professional manner, repeatedly and clearly conveyed his resolve and the intention of the United Nations force to exercise its rights within the Buffer Zone. Private St.Denis' outstanding professional performance of military duties at a rare, high standard has brought great credit to himself and the Canadian Forces.
