Soldiers decorated for Op APOLLO
OTTAWA — Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, announced on March 12, 2003 the recipients’ names for Meritorious Service Decorations (military division), Mentions in dispatches and the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation to be awarded to military recipients. Insignia will be presented later this year.
Meritorious Service Cross
Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Benton Stogran,
MSC, CD
3 PPCLI BG
From January 8 to July 30, 2002, LCol Stogran commanded the Battle Group, in Afghanistan, Canada’s first deployment of an Army unit in combat operations against a declared enemy in five decades. He has proven to be an excellent tactician, a determined negotiator and a tireless and inspiring leader under complex operational conditions.
Meritorious Service Medal
Sergeant Mark Wayne Pennie,
MSM, CD
1 CER
From January 8 to July 30, 2002, Sgt Pennie was responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit for the 3 PPCLI, Battle Group, in Afghanistan. This facility, originally intended to provide a clean and reliable source of fresh water to the Canadian BG, ended up supplying water to all Task Force personnel at the Kandahar airfield. He also displayed great initiative in restoring the existing airfield sewage lagoon to an operable condition after many years of disuse, thus improving the lives of the coalition soldiers and local civilians, while lessening the impact on the environment.
Mention in Dispatches
Corporal Brian Michael Decaire, 2 PPCLI
On April 17, 2002, Cpl Decaire displayed outstanding professionalism following the Tarnak Farm incident in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He remained calm in the chaotic and uncertain environment, despite a shrapnel wound. He not only assisted in securing the area and directed medical personnel as they arrived, but he also searched for injured soldiers and provided them with first aid. Cpl Decaire continued to play a crucial role until he was medically evacuated from the area.
Warrant Officer Robert Kevin Jones, 3 PPCLI
On April 10, 2002, WO Jones was second-in-command of 1 Platoon, A Company, 3 PPCLI, deployed as part of Op APOLLO to secure the crash site of a US AH-64 Attack Helicopter. Upon arriving in the suspected area and with darkness approaching, he quickly organized the search, located the crashed helicopter some 2 500 m from the landing zone and established a defensive perimeter around it. His exceptional leadership and technical expertise played a critical role in the overall success of the mission.
Corporal Brett Robert Perry, 2 PPCLI
On April 17, 2002, Cpl Perry’s actions immediately following the Tarnak Farm incident in Kandahar, Afghanistan, were highly commendable. He remained calm in a very chaotic environment, despite a shrapnel wound. He assisted in securing the area and in deploying medical personnel as they arrived. He searched for injured soldiers and provided them with vital first aid until he was medically evacuated from the area.
Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation
3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
Between February 4 and July 30, 2002, the 3 PPCLI BG spearheaded Op APOLLO. The BG was deployed to a heavily mined and war-torn country for operations against an elusive enemy under the most extreme weather conditions. The BG flawlessly conducted three complex air-assault operations into harsh, mountainous terrain, contributed successfully to a fourth, and set the standard within their parent US Army brigade, Task Force Rakkasan, for security operations on the Kandahar airfield. Well-disciplined and well-led, the BG distinguished itself in every facet of this exceptionally challenging operation.
above article from: The Maple Leaf
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Edmonton - The Third Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI) Battle Group received the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation on December 8, 2003.
More than 900 soldiers from across Canada served with the battle group which operated in Afghanistan from February 4 to July 30, 2002.
They conducted operation against an elusive enemy under the most extreme weather conditions.
Also at the ceremony, thirty U.S. Bronze Stars were presented to members of the battle group.
Colonel Grant presents a Commander-in-Chief Commendation pin to a member of the 3PPCLI Battle Group during the parade rehearsal.
Brigadier-General Fenton presents a Commander-in-Chief Commendation pin to a member of the 3PPCLI Battle Group during the parade rehearsal.
3PPCLI Battle Group members during the parade rehearsal
The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Henault, inspects the 3PPCLI Battle Group.
Chief of the Defence Staff, General Henault, inspects the 3PPCLI Battle Group at the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation parade.
Captain Doucet, rear party adjutant, receives the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Henault.
Eight year old Renee Reich poses with General Heneault and her father after receiving the Canadian Forces Medallion for collecting shoes for 740 Afghan children. The shoes were distributed by the Canadian soldiers.
Major Borland receives the US Army Bronze Star Medal from the US Ambassador to Canada, Paul Celluci.
Mr Paul Dyer receives the US Army Bronze Star Medal for Corporal Dyer from the US Ambassador to Canada, Paul Celluci.
Mrs Charlotte Smith receives the US Army Bronze Star Medal for Private Smith from the US Ambassador to Canada, Paul Celluci.
Commander-in-Chief Commendation Unit Banner being held by General Henault and Lieutenant-Colonel Beaudette, Commanding Officer for 3PPCLI.
Soldiers from the 3PPCLI Battle Group parade in front of a crowd of 2000 people.
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