Military Decorations Ceremony

The Governor General 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 two Meritorious Service Crosses (Military Division) and 34 Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Corporal Joshua O’Toole, M.M.V., received the Medal of Military Valour from the Governor General. On October 21, 2008, Corporal O’Toole was manning the defensive tower of a combat outpost, in Afghanistan, when it was attacked by insurgents. As rounds impacted the tower and rocket-propelled grenades sailed over his head, Corporal O’Toole left the security of his location to fire an anti-armour weapon at the attackers’ location. After a successful hit, he remained in a highly vulnerable position, taking up a heavy machine gun to continue returning fire. Corporal O’Toole’s fearless and relentless actions suppressed the enemy, allowing friendly forces to quickly establish defensive positions and defeat the attack.

Sergeant Joseph Martin Brink, M.S.C., received the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) from the Governor General. On January 15, 2006, Sergeant Brink demonstrated exemplary leadership as the section commander during an attack on his patrol convoy by a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device. He quickly established a security perimeter and sent a detailed report to command headquarters, which allowed for the rapid dispatch of the quick reaction force to provide assistance at the scene. He then entered a burning, overturned and ammunition-laden vehicle to render aid to a trapped and seriously injured soldier until that soldier could be safely extracted. Sergeant Brink’s perseverance and performance under extreme duress were exceptional.

Brigadier-General Joseph René Marcel Guy Laroche, O.M.M., M.S.C., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) from the Governor General. Following the earthquake in Haiti, Brigadier-General Laroche modelled and developed an operation plan within a multinational and inter-agency framework, which quickly distinguished itself from those of the other military forces. Brigadier-General Laroche’s altruism and his capacity to analyze operational issues, combined with his close collaboration with the Canadian Ambassador, the Prime Minister of Haiti, and the forces in place, enabled Canada to be one of the first countries to contribute humanitarian assistance to the Haitian people, from January to March 2010. This is the second Meritorious Service Cross for Brigadier-General Laroche.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Barbara Agnes Benson, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. From 2007 through 2009, Petty Officer 2nd Class Benson demonstrated outstanding leadership and operational effectiveness while assigned to the Naval Ocean Processing Facility Whidbey Island, U.S.A. With her expertise and mentoring skills, she was able to transform her team members into top performers. Her leadership and training of multinational sailors significantly contributed to the success of the Facility and will have a lasting and positive impact.

Major Timothy Charles Byers, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. From May 2008 through March 2009, Major Byers exhibited professionalism, foresight and leadership in his capacity as commander 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group during the planning and execution of Exercise WESTERN SPIRIT. The exercise included an arduous 37-day snowmobile trek, during which he led the patrol through severe arctic conditions, highlighting the capabilities of Canadian Rangers in over 25 northern communities. The success of this Exercise and its connection with Canadians in the North brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.

Colonel J. J. Martin Girard, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. Colonel Girard was deployed to Haiti as the commander of Task Force Port-au-Prince from July 2008 to August 2009. Occupying a senior leadership role as the chief of staff to the United Nations force commander, he established relationships with key stakeholders that facilitated the operations of the international stabilization mission. His outstanding coordination of 7 000 multinational soldiers and interaction with international aid agencies enabled an organized relief effort during Haiti’s hurricane crisis, played a prominent role in supporting senatorial elections and led to the implementation of a quick-reaction force that quickly quelled rioting in the country.

Colonel Jean-Marc Lanthier, M.S.C., M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Colonel Lanthier was deployed as the deputy commander of Joint Task Force Haiti, in Port-au-Prince, from January to March 2010. In that capacity, he coordinated all of the JTF’s tactical and operational efforts. His experience, personal commitment and obvious capacity to work in a challenging environment greatly contributed to the enviable reputation enjoyed by the Canadian Forces and by Canada.

The Military Valour Decorations are awarded for an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. The Meritorious Service Decorations (military division) recognize individuals for their outstanding professionalism.