Master Corporal Niefer was a member of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, in Rotation 2 of Operation ARCHER, in Afghanistan. On September 3, 2006, while engaged in combat operations in support of Operation MEDUSA, he selflessly ordered his vehicle into the enemy kill zone to support extraction of wounded comrades trapped by an enemy ambush. He subsequently provided covering fire from a highly exposed position to facilitate their evacuation, and by doing so, saved the lives of numerous fellow soldiers. His outstanding leadership, courage and valiant action brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.