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Meritorious Service Decoration presented to a British citizenJune 8, 2007 Meritorious Service Decoration presented to a British citizen June 7, 2007 OTTAWA—On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaėlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, Mr. James R. Wright, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, presented yesterday the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to Colonel Christopher Hilary Vernon of the British Army during a private ceremony held at the Canadian High Commission in London, United Kingdom. The award has been in effect since December 12, 2006. The following text is the official citation for Colonel Vernon: Colonel Christopher Vernon, M.S.M. Colonel Vernon of the British Army served as chief of staff of the Multinational Brigade - Regional Command South in Afghanistan from February to October 2006. A strategic thinker and master organizer, he established a multinational headquarters that began effective operations immediately upon entry into theatre. The success of combat operations was largely attributed to his planning abilities and knowledge of tactics and operations. He made an invaluable contribution to information operations, interacting with Afghan National Army Corps personnel and coordinating British resources. Through his actions supporting the strategic goals of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, Colonel Vernon has brought great credit to the United Kingdom, to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. The Meritorious Service Decorations include a military division and a civil division, with two levels each: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity that brought honour to the community or to Canada. These decorations are an important part of the Canadian honours system, which recognizes excellence. Meritorious Service Decorations honour either a single achievement or an activity over a specified period. The Meritorious Service Decorations are open to both Canadians and non-Canadians. Anyone may nominate an individual for the civil division of the Meritorious Service Decorations, while military candidates are recommended by the chief of the defence staff. Nominations and awards may be made posthumously, but nominations for activities that occurred prior to June 1984, the year in which the honour was first created, are not accepted. For more information on the Meritorious Service Decorations, please visit our Web site at www.gg.ca. Media information |
