His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented Military Valour Decorations and Meritorious Service Decorations to members of the Canadian and allied forces at a ceremony on Jan. 26.
Seven Medals of Military Valour were presented 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.
Among the recipients were several members of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
“Each of you has shown great courage and determination in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds,” said the Governor General during the ceremony. “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.
“All of you are fighting for a world that has no more need of fighting, a world of peace and tolerance, a smarter, more caring world of which we can all be proud. Until that world is a reality, we are thankful that we can rely on the dedication of the members of the Canadian Forces, men and women who embody this country’s ideals.
“Congratulations to all the recipients. You continue to make us proud through your actions and service to Canada and the world.”
You can read the citations for all recipients at www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14405.
AIR FORCE RECIPIENTS
Please note that the information below reflects the rank of the recipient at the time of the event for which they were recognized.
Captain William Todd Fielding, M.M.V., C.D.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Medal of Military Valour
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.
Colonel Christian Drouin, M.S.C., C.D.
Montréal, Quebec
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
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.
Warrant Officer Joseph Jacques Friolet, M.S.M., C.D.
Bathurst, New Brunswick
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
While deployed to Afghanistan from November 2009 to August 2010, Warrant Officer Friolet was instrumental in the establishment and operational employment of the Task Force Freedom Maintenance Flight in Afghanistan. Under his skilled leadership, the flight maximized its support capability, doubling the amount of aircraft available for operations. On numerous occasions, his skilful and diplomatic engagements with coalition allies ensured the successful coordination of critical support requirements. Warrant Officer Friolet’s outstanding leadership and professionalism ensured the effective employment of Canadian aviation assets.
Sergeant Charles Andrew McLean, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Since 2007, Sergeant McLean’s dedication to Soldier On, a program which he co-founded, has ensured the continued success of this initiative to optimize the functional independence of Canadian Forces members or former members who have become ill or who have been injured. His passion and commitment have provided opportunities for these individuals to reach beyond their physical limitations and find a better quality of life on their road to recovery and reintegration. Over the years, he has successfully promoted and created awareness of the needs of injured and ill Canadian Forces members and their families, as well as the programs available to them.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jeffery Douglas Smyth, M.S.M., C.D.
Chatham, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
With keen insight, Lieutenant-Colonel Smyth advanced Canadian tactical aviation as commanding officer of the Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) from September 2009 to August 2010. He was committed to taking troops off the dangerous Afghan road networks, and led the maintenance staff as they ensured aircraft serviceability was never a limiting factor. Mastering the employment of new equipment, he enhanced support provided to ground forces. Lieutenant-Colonel Smyth’s remarkable efforts were critical to the success of operations, including the largest airmobile operation in the history of Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan.
MILITARY VALOUR DECORATIONS
The three Military Valour Decorations, namely the Victoria Cross, the Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour, were created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, on January 1, 1993. The decorations may be awarded posthumously.
The Victoria Cross is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy.
The Star of Military Valour is awarded for distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy.
The Medal of Military Valour is awarded for an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
Anyone can propose a nomination for the Military Valour Decorations. If a member of our Canadian Forces meets the criteria, a submission will be made through the member’s chain of command for consideration by the Military Valour Decorations Advisory Committee, and the governor general.
For all three Military Valour Decorations, recipients must be a member of the Canadian Forces or a member of an allied force that is serving with, or in conjunction with, the Canadian Forces, on or after January 1, 1993.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS
The Meritorious Service Decorations include a military division and a civil division, with two levels each: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity that brought honour to the community or to Canada.
The Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces.
The Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) recognizes a military deed or activity performed in a highly professional manner, according to a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces.
These decorations are an important part of the Canadian Honours System, which recognizes excellence. Meritorious Service Decorations honour either a single achievement or an activity over a specified period. The Meritorious Service Decorations are open to both Canadians and non-Canadians.
Anyone may nominate an individual for the civil division of the Meritorious Service Decorations, while military candidates are recommended by the chief of the Defence Staff. Nominations and awards may be made posthumously, but nominations for activities that occurred prior to June 1984, the year in which the honour was first created, are not accepted.
