Our esteemed Governor General The Honourable David Johnson,held an awards ceremony for members of our JTF2 Special Forces. Rightfully so these were held in the strictest of security, as no one can name nor photograph these exceptional soldiers. BRAVO ZULU to all members and Congratulations to those who received our Countries highest honours.
OTTAWA - Canada's governor general honoured a handful of new heroes on Friday.
Unfortunately, we can't tell you how many, what their names might be — or what they did.
Governor General David Johnston handed out three Stars of Military Valour and two Medals of Military Valour, the second and third highest decorations for bravery to members of the ultra-secret special forces.
In addition, one Meritorious Service Cross, three Meritorious Service Medals and one Mention in Dispatches were also presented at a closed-door ceremony at Rideau Hall.
A release from the vice regal's office said for security and operational reasons, the recipients’ names and citations were not released.
It's unclear whether the decorations involve operations in Afghanistan, where roughly 200 members of the special forces have been fighting the Taliban in successive rotations since 2001.
Unlike the Americans, who publicize the exploits of their commandos, Canada keeps secret all aspects of special forces operations.
I know of two Island families whose sons are members of this elite unit.
Descriptions:
Star of Military Valour (S.M.V.)The Star of Military Valour recognizes distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy.
The Star is a gold star with four points with a maple leaf in each of the angles:
- on the obverse of which, superimposed in the centre, is a gold maple leaf on a sanguine field surrounded by a silver wreath of laurel, and
- on the reverse of which, the Royal Cipher (EIIR) and Crown and the inscription PRO VALORE appear, below which is engraved the rank and name of the recipient.
The Medal of Military Valour recognizes an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
The Medal is a circular gold medal:
- On the obverse of which is a maple leaf surrounded by a wreath of laurel.
- On the reverse of which appears the Royal Cipher and Crown and the inscription PRO VALORE, and on the edge of which is engraved the rank and name of the recipient.
These awards are earned by soldiers in the most dangeous areas of operations.
Please Show support for our troops and their families.
Register now for the RCASC 110th Birthday Gala in BC. There was a Special Forces hero who was a Service Corps Apprentice.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
