29 October 2006

First Canadian medals awarded


Three Canadian medals for valour were created in 1993: The Victoria Cross, the Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour. Two of these medals have been awarded last week for the first time, to soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

From CBC News:
Gov. Gen. Michaƫlle Jean announced the national honours, which are awarded to recognize acts of valour, self-sacrifice or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy, on Friday.

The Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour were created in 1993, but this is the first time the decorations have been awarded. The actual medals themselves will be presented to the four soldiers at a ceremony at a later date.

And from the Globe and Mail:
The Star of Military Valour is going to Sgt. Patrick Tower, who is based in Edmonton and is originally from Victoria, B.C.

On Aug. 3, Sgt. Tower led a platoon medic and another soldier across 150 metres of open terrain and under heavy enemy fire to help wounded comrades. After learning the acting platoon commander had been killed, he then assumed command and successfully got his troops out under continuous small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.

The other three soldiers - Sgt Thomas Denine, Master Cpl Collin Ryan Fitzgerald and Pte Jason Lamont - have been awarded the Medal of Military Valour.

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