Military Decorations Ceremony

On December 13, 2011, the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada presented three Medals of Military Valour to members of the Canadian Forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat, as well as five Meritorious Service Crosses (Military Division) and 37 Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Private Tony Rodney Vance Harris, M.M.V., received the Medal of Military Valour from His Excellency. On November 23, 2009, Private Harris was at Forward Operating Base Wilson, in Afghanistan, when insurgents unleashed a mortar attack. Without regard for his own safety, he ran to the scene of the impact and provided first aid to American soldiers. Noticing another soldier trapped inside a burning sea container, Private Harris went to his aid, single-handedly pulled him to safety and rendered life-saving first aid as rounds continued to fall. Private Harris’ courageous and decisive actions under fire that day saved several lives and brought great credit to Canada.

Major-General Mart C. de Kruif, M.S.M. (Royal Netherlands Army) received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. As commander of Regional Command (South) from November 2008 to November 2009, Major-General de Kruif consistently acknowledged and promoted Canada’s contribution to allied military efforts in Afghanistan. With compassion and respect for Canadian soldiers, he ensured their welfare and security, and provided outstanding support to the command teams of two Canadian task forces. Demonstrating world-class leadership, unwavering dedication and keen operational understanding, Major-General de Kruif’s command of Canadian soldiers was exemplary and provided great benefit to Canada.

Major Wayne Kenneth Niven, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. As officer commanding Delta Company from October 2009 to May 2010, Major Niven distinguished himself as a first-rate combat leader. Tasked with securing the volatile Nakhonay village, he worked with his Afghan counterpart to clear and hold the area. His ability to work effectively with Afghan officials influenced village elders who were initially resistant to security initiatives. An astute and skilful officer who fully embraced counter-insurgency doctrine, Major Niven and his superb leadership were critical to the battle group’s operational success.

Corporal Emelie Pilon, M.S.M., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Captain Desjardins, Corporal Beauclair and Corporal Pilon were sent as part of the inaugural deployment of the Canadian Forces Urban Search and Rescue team, from January to March 2010. Tasked with locating, extracting and recovering Canadian and foreign human remains, these three individuals helped to ease the suffering of many families through their unrelenting and compassionate efforts, and were an inspiration to their team and international partners. Despite the mental and physical demands of this horrific and complex operation, they maintained an unwavering dedication that brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. Captain Desjardins and Corporal Beauclair received their insignia at an earlier ceremony.

Commander Steven Michael Waddell, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. Commander Waddell served with distinction from October 2009 to May 2010, commanding officer of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Fredericton and commander of Task Force Saiph, deployed to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea in support of international counter-piracy and counter-terror efforts. Commander Waddell demonstrated tactical awareness, leadership, operational focus and a humanitarian approach to operations, allowing him to successfully lead his team through challenging missions, which brought great credit to the Royal Canadian Navy and to Canada.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, are pictured with the 45 recipients who were presented with military decorations.

Lieutenant-Colonel Gilbert Clement Thibault, M.S.C., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) from His Excellency. On the morning of June 9, 2008, the aircrew of Cormorant Helicopter Rescue 913 successfully evacuated a critically injured sailor from the MV Maersk Dunedin, near Halifax. Aircraft Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Thibault made critical command decisions as he piloted the aircraft under exceptionally demanding circumstances. He was assisted by First Officer Captain Mercer, who helped fly the aircraft for nearly 10 hours, twice landing on Sable Island for fuel as the aircraft’s endurance was pushed to its limits. In conditions where visibility was so poor that they could not even see the vessel in distress, flight engineer Sergeant Pawulski was instrumental in providing advice to help guide the aircraft into position over the deck in order to facilitate the hoist operation. Search and rescue technicians Warrant Officer Mitchell and Sergeant Kelland were then lowered onto the heaving deck, where they rendered life-saving medical aid to the injured sailor and coordinated his removal to the rescue helicopter. The team’s conduct, dedication and professionalism in the planning and execution of this daring rescue brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.