Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: August 8, 2002
- Invested on: September 27, 2002
Rank: Commodore
From October 2001 to April 2002, Commodore Thiffault contributed greatly to the success of Operation APOLLO - Canada’s military component of the US-led coalition campaign against terrorism in the South-West Asia theatre of operation. The Canadian Joint Task Force he served as initial commander numbered over 2 500 members, the largest operational overseas deployment of Canadian Forces since the Korean War. Commodore Thiffault’s personal interventions with the Coalition’s senior military leadership secured Canadian units’ frontline roles on land, in the air and at sea, which they executed to the acclaim of Canadians and Coalition partners alike. Throughout his time in command, Commodore Thiffault set a sterling example of dedication to duty, diligence and concern for the welfare of all members of the task force, bringing considerable benefit and honour to Canada and the Canadian Forces.
