Military Decorations Ceremony

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, are pictured with the 39 recipients who were presented with military decorations.

Master Corporal Paul Douglas Mitchell, M.M.V., received the Medal of Military Valour from His Excellency. On June 5 and July 18, 2010, Master Corporal Mitchell’s front line devotion to duty and courageous actions under fire were instrumental in the defeat of two sustained insurgent attacks. While repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire and fearlessly maintaining his position, he inspired other soldiers and ultimately repelled the enemy attacks. Master Corporal Mitchell’s selfless actions and disregard for his own safety undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Master Corporal Danny Denis Boyd, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. Master Corporal Boyd’s leadership and technical skills greatly improved the efficiency of the Fire Support Coordination Centre within Joint Task Force Afghanistan Headquarters during his deployment from November 2009 to September 2010. In addition to developing a method that enhanced information management, he was selected to brief an American unit on the Centre’s procedures, helping them integrate seamlessly into the area of operations. Master Corporal Boyd’s dedicated efforts enhanced the Centre’s ability to ensure the effective delivery of fire support.

General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, also spoke during this ceremony.

The Governor General presents honours and awards on behalf of all Canadians to recognize those people who have demonstrated excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service in ways that bring special credit to this country.

"Each of you has shown great courage and determination in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds," said His Excellency. "You have tackled challenges of global importance. You have contributed greatly to the safety of people at home and abroad. And you have played an essential role in shaping how the Canadian Forces are perceived."

On January 26, 2012, the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada presented seven Medals of Military Valour to members of the Canadian Forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat, as well as four Meritorious Service Crosses (Military Division) and 28 Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Colonel Jeffrey Holachek, M.S.M. (United States Army), received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. Colonel Holachek, of the United States Army, consistently demonstrated strong leadership and outstanding professionalism. He developed and employed innovative concepts, effectively led his staff through complex operational planning, and delivered effective plans for implementation. Colonel Holachek’s dedication and unwavering commitment greatly enhanced the operational effectiveness of expeditionary operations and brought great credit to Canada.

Lieutenant-Commander Louis Christian Haché, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. As deputy commander of Task Force Port-au-Prince, and chief of Plans and Strategic Measures within the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti from July 2009 to April 2010, Lieutenant-Commander Haché was instrumental to the success of international efforts in the country. In the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake, he re-established command and control capabilities that were lost when the local United Nations Headquarters was destroyed. Lieutenant-Commander Haché’s leadership contributed significantly to the United Nations’ efforts in Haiti and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Major Annie Bouchard, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. Following the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, Major Bouchard, as a first responder, commanded a medical platoon from January to February of that year. Despite the physical and mental challenges of administering medical treatment in such a horrifying environment, she provided critical care to countless wounded, while keeping watch over her team’s morale and well-being. Major Bouchard’s selfless actions alleviated the suffering of many victims of the earthquake, leaving a lasting impression of Canadian compassion in Léogâne, Haiti.

Colonel Christian Drouin, M.S.C., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) from His Excellency. As commander of the Air Wing in Afghanistan from November 2009 to September 2010, Colonel Drouin was instrumental in developing the squadron’s capability so that it could fully support operations. While promoting the strength of combat aviation to an unprecedented degree, he ensured Canada’s leadership within several multinational operations, including one of the largest airmobile operations in the history of Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan. Colonel Drouin is a first-rate leader and innovator, and his outstanding command was pivotal to operational success.

Captain William Todd Fielding, M.M.V., C.D., received the Medal of Military Valour from His Excellency. On August 5, 2010, Captain Fielding’s Chinook helicopter was struck by enemy fire, in Panjwaji, Afghanistan, causing the fuel tank to explode and rendering the aircraft nearly inoperable. With the helicopter in flames and the cockpit rapidly filling with smoke, Captain Fielding made the time-critical decision to land in enemy territory rather than fly to a friendly landing zone. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty allowed him to execute an emergency landing and then lead the evacuation of the burning aircraft. His actions no doubt saved the lives of all crew and passengers that day.