Honoring More of Our Troops

The Governor General has announced three more awards to our soldiers, one of them posthumous. You can find the official press release here. I'll reprint from the backgrounder of these three soldiers:

Major Paeta Derek Hess-von Kruedener, M.S.C., C.D. (posthumous)
Kingston, Burlington and Kitchener, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)

Major Hess-von Kruedener is awarded the Meritorious Service Cross posthumously for his outstanding performance and dedication to duty while serving at a United Nations observation post in the Khiam area of southern Lebanon. When the conflict erupted, Major Hess-von Kruedener knew he could not be evacuated, yet he steadfastly maintained his position while reporting the situation as it presented itself, until his untimely death on July 25, 2006. A Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry officer, Major Hess-Von Kruedener brought great honour to the Canadian Forces and to the military profession.

Lieutenant-Colonel Omer Henry Lavoie, M.S.C., C.D.
Petawawa, Stittsville and Marathon, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)

From August 2006 to February 2007, Lieutenant-Colonel Lavoie commanded the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, in southern Afghanistan. He played a leading role in two complex brigade operations, including Operation MEDUSA, the most significant ground combat operation in NATO’s history. His battle group’s actions throughout their operational tour set the conditions for thousands of Afghans to return to their homes. During this period of sustained intense combat, Lieutenant-Colonel Lavoie led from the front, sharing the dangers and harsh living conditions of his troops. His exceptional professionalism and leadership in combat brought great credit to the Canadian Forces, to Canada and to NATO.

Warrant Officer Michael Bradley Smith, M.S.M., C.D.
Calgary, Alberta
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)

From May 4 to November 2006, Warrant Officer Smith served as the senior tactics and weapons maintenance instructor for the Armoured Vehicle General Purpose and Machine Gun course, two critical components of operations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His outstanding leadership and technical expertise contributed to a significant improvement in the operational effectiveness of UN patrols conducted in some of the world’s most unforgiving environmental conditions. In a diverse and complex mission, Warrant Officer Smith’s dogged determination, technical expertise and strength of character enhanced the operational effectiveness of over 200 African Union soldiers.