Governor General Presents First-Ever Military Valour Decorations

Major William Hilton Fletcher, S.M.V., C.D. Edmonton and St. Albert, Alberta Star of Military Valour

As Officer Commanding C Company, Task Force Afghanistan, from January to August 2006, Major Fletcher repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary bravery by exposing himself to intense fire while leading his forces, on foot, to assault heavily defended enemy positions. On two occasions, the soldiers at his side were struck by enemy fire. He immediately rendered first aid and then continued to head the subsequent assaults. On these occasions and in ensuing combat actions, his selfless courage, tactical acumen and effective command were pivotal to the success of his company in defeating a determined opponent.

Sergeant Patrick Tower, S.M.V., C.D. Edmonton, Alberta; and Sidney, British Columbia Star of Military Valour

Sergeant Tower is recognized for valiant actions taken on August 3, 2006, in the Pashmul region of Afghanistan. Following an enemy strike against an outlying friendly position that resulted in numerous casualties, Sergeant Tower assembled the platoon medic and a third soldier and led them across 150 metres of open terrain, under heavy enemy fire, to render assistance. On learning that the acting platoon commander had perished, Sergeant Tower assumed command and led the successful extraction of the force under continuous small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Sergeant Tower’s courage and selfless devotion to duty contributed directly to the survival of the remaining platoon members.

Private Jason Carl Allan Lamont, M.M.V. Edmonton, Alberta; and Greenwood, Nova Scotia Medal of Military Valour

Private Lamont was deployed with the Health Support Services Company, 1 PPCLI Battle Group during Operation ARCHER. On July 13, 2006, an element of the reconnaissance platoon came under heavy enemy fire from a compound located in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and was isolated from the rest of the platoon. During the firefight, another soldier was shot while attempting to withdraw back to the firing line and was unable to continue. Without regard for his personal safety, Private Lamont, under concentrated enemy fire and with no organized suppression by friendly forces, sprinted through open terrain to administer first aid. Private Lamont's actions demonstrated tremendous courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

Sergeant Michael Thomas Victor Denine, M.M.V., C.D. Edmonton, Alberta; and Shea Heights and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Medal of Military Valour

Sergeant Denine deployed with 8 Platoon, C Company, 1 PPCLI during Operation ARCHER in Afghanistan. On May 17, 2006, while sustaining concentrated rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire, the main cannon and the machine gun on his light armoured vehicle malfunctioned. Under intense enemy fire, he recognized the immediate need to suppress the enemy fire and exited the air sentry hatch to man the pintle-mounted machine gun. Completely exposed to enemy fire, he laid down a high volume of suppressive fire, forcing the enemy to withdraw. Sergeant Denine’s valiant action ensured mission success and likely saved the lives of his crew.

Captain Derek Prohar, M.M.V. Edmonton and St. Albert, Alberta; and Avonlea, Saskatchewan Medal of Military Valour

Assigned as liaison officer with the United States Special Forces in Afghanistan during the battle at Sperwan Ghar, from September 5 to 12, 2006, Captain Prohar operated as the rear machine gunner on the battalion commander’s vehicle. He was wounded by an improvised explosive device during an intense enemy ambush. Despite his injuries, he continued returning fire and assisted the commander with the control of the attack, which resulted in the successful seizing of key terrain. Captain Prohar’s courage and actions earned him the respect of the allied soldiers of the United States Special Forces.

Master Corporal Collin Ryan Fitzgerald, M.M.V. Shilo, Manitoba; and Trenton and Morrisburg, Ontario Medal of Military Valour

Master Corporal Fitzgerald deployed with 5 Platoon, B Company, 1 PPCLI Battle Group in Afghanistan. He is recognized for outstanding selfless and valiant actions carried out on May 24, 2006, during an ongoing enemy ambush involving intense, accurate enemy fire. Master Corporal Fitzgerald repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire by entering and re-entering a burning platoon vehicle and successfully driving it off the roadway, permitting the remaining vehicles trapped in the enemy zone to break free. Master Corporal Fitzgerald’s courageous and completely selfless actions were instrumental to his platoon’s successful egress and undoubtedly contributed to saving the lives of his fellow platoon members.

Governor General Presents First-Ever Military Valour Decorations

Corporal Shaun Lindsey, M.S.M. Edmonton and Lancaster Park, Alberta; and Brighton, Ontario Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)

A medic, Corporal Lindsey is recognized for the outstanding professionalism he displayed on May 25, 2006, in South Gumbad, Afghanistan, when a light armoured vehicle was struck and destroyed by an improvised explosive device. Six occupants, including Corporal Lindsey, were injured. Demonstrating outstanding professionalism, he helped extricate the wounded, treated and stabilized the casualties while coordinating medical evacuations, and completed a transfer of the patients to American flight medics. Corporal Lindsey’s actions performed under combat conditions bring great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Chief Warrant Officer Ward Desmond Brown, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.Trenton and Toronto, OntarioMeritorious Service Medal (Military Division)

Chief Warrant Officer Brown was the regimental sergeant-major of the provincial reconstruction team (PRT) deployed to Kandahar from July 2005 to February 2006 as part of the Canadian government’s approach to fostering Afghanistan’s renewed nationhood. This marked Canada’s first deployment of the PRT into an area of operations threatened by an active insurgency. Chief Warrant Officer Brown’s outstanding leadership, professionalism, dedication and poise under dangerous conditions were instrumental to the success of the mission. His efforts brought great credit to the provincial reconstruction team, to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.