Military Decorations Ceremony

On November 15, 2012, the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada presented one Star of Military Valour and one Medal of Military Valour to members of the Canadian Forces and allied forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat, as well as three Meritorious Service Crosses (Military Division) and 40 Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Private Taumy St-Hilaire, S.M.V., received the Star of Military Valour. On April 19, 2011, Private St-Hilaire demonstrated exceptional courage during a battle in Afghanistan. While engaging the enemy from his rooftop position, he noticed an Afghan father and son pinned down under enemy fire. On his own initiative, and despite enemy aggression from three separate positions, he requested covering fire before going down to the exposed victims to lead them to shelter. Private St-Hilaire’s bravery and selflessness enabled him to save both lives and to quell the attack.

General Thomas Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, also spoke during this ceremony.

"I am also particularly glad to have the opportunity to salute bravery and service to Canada during this, our season of remembrance," said His Excellency. "This is the time of year when Canadians pause to give thanks for the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. Therefore, in addition to recognizing your achievements today, let us take this opportunity to remember that military sacrifices continue to be made on our behalf, to the present day. For this, Canadians are grateful."

Lieutenant-Colonel Mason James Stalker, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). Lieutenant-Colonel Stalker displayed leadership and tactical acumen as the commanding officer of the Canadian contingent at Regional Command (South) Headquarters and as executive officer to the deputy commanding general from September 2010 to October 2011. Responsible for operations in the most volatile and violent region of Afghanistan, he was instrumental to operational success and significantly contributed to defeating the insurgents. Lieutenant-Colonel Stalker’s performance was of a high standard and brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Major Jean-Christian Marquis, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). As commander of the C Company Combat Team deployed to Afghanistan from November 2010 to June 2011, Major Marquis distinguished himself by his tactical agility. In his battlespace, he prevailed over numerous incidents caused by, among other things, improvised explosive devices; he faced the enemy on several occasions; and he became involved with the local population. Even when faced with the loss of soldiers and the complex challenges of combat, Major Marquis contributed greatly to the team’s success and to improved stability in his area of operations.

Commander Simon Rupert Hughes, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). Between August 2010 and January 2012, Commander Hughes contributed strategic benefit to the Royal Canadian Navy. He was instrumental in conceiving and developing innovative approaches, which made sure of the readiness of naval personnel for the introduction of the internationally successful REGULUS program and the adoption of the Single Fleet Scheme of Manoeuvre. Commander Hughes’ leadership, strategic wisdom and groundbreaking work helped ensure the future success of the Navy, the Canadian Forces and Canada.

Lieutenant-Colonel John William Errington, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). As commander of a special operations task force in Afghanistan from October 2010 to March 2011, Lieutenant-Colonel Errington distinguished himself as a combat leader and special operations advisor. His unit’s participation was critical to the achievement of campaign objectives pursued by Regional Command (South) and Task Force Kandahar, and contributed directly to enhancing the capabilities of the Afghan police. Lieutenant-Colonel Errington’s efforts were critical to the success of the Canadian mission and enabled his unit to operate effectively within a dynamic multinational environment.

Colonel Dean James Milner, O.M.M., M.S.C., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division). While deployed as commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan from September 2010 to July 2011, Colonel Milner demonstrated exceptional leadership that was critical to the success of Task Force Kandahar. Working in close partnership with Afghan National Security Forces and allies, he enabled the disruption of insurgent networks, the successful completion of infrastructure improvements and enhanced the overall level of security for the Afghan population. Colonel Milner’s performance and leadership secured Canada’s legacy in Afghanistan and positioned the Canadian Forces for a successful transition to its training mission.

Specialist David Fletcher Graves, M.M.V., received the Medal of Military Valour. On August 3, 2010, Specialist Graves and Staff Sergeant Hever, both of the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, and part of the Canadian-led Task Force Kandahar, were conducting a training exercise within Kandahar Airfield when insurgents tried to force their way inside the compound. Unarmed and under fire, Specialist Graves and Staff Sergeant Hever secured weapons and moved to a position of cover in order to engage the enemy. Despite intense enemy action, they maintained their position and delivered accurate return fire. Their courage, decisiveness and soldiering ability neutralized the attack and enabled friendly forces to find safety.

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