Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: January 14, 1993
- Invested on: February 12, 1993
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
In 1992, Lieutenant-Colonel Gauthier was the commanding officer of the Combat Engineer Regiment deployed to support the United Nations Protection Force in former Yugoslavia. His main mission was to eliminate as many as possible of the anti-tank and anti-personnel mines that littered the theatre of operations. In preparing for this dangerous task, Lieutenant-Colonel Gauthier demonstrated exceptional diplomacy, tenacity and resourcefulness. The mission was accomplished thanks to his remarkable judgment and leadership, qualities that enabled prompt deployment of 14,000 members of the United Nations Protection Force in total safety.
