"The soldiers who are receiving the decorations for valour personify one aspect of our country's military tradition: our force's effectiveness in operations," Jean said at the ceremony to present the medals.
"The men and women in uniform who are receiving the decorations for meritorious service personify another great tradition of the Canadian Forces: their success in making our world a better place to live."
The decorations were created in 1993 to be awarded to members of the Canadian Forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat.
Shortly after Canadian soldiers became involved in Afghanistan, it was decided that the actions of many in the face of hostilities in recent months have provided the occasion for awarding the Decorations.
Six military members received the honours.
Sgt. Patrick Tower and Maj. William Hilton Fletcher received the Star of Valour, while Corp. John David Makela, Sgt. Michael Thomas Victor Denine, Capt. Derek Prohar and Maj. Michael Charles Wright received the Medal of Military Valour.
The Star of Military Valour is awarded for distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy. The Medal of Military Valour is awarded for an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
Maj. Fletcher was recognized for demonstrating extraordinary bravery during his times in Afghanistan from January to August 2006. He repeatedly exposed himself to intense fire while leading his forces, on foot, to assault heavily defended enemy positions.
"His selfless courage, tactical acumen and effective command were pivotal to the success of his company in defeating a determined opponent," reads the citation.
Fletcher told Canada AM that he was surprised when he heard he was being honoured with the medal.
"It was shocking to be honest because thinking back on the whole experience in terms of our time in Afghanistan I honestly can't put my finger on something to warrant an honour like this," he said.
"There are 150 guys in our company. A little piece of this goes to every one of them."
Sgt. Tower was recognized for the actions he took in August 2006, in the Pashmul region of Afghanistan.
Following a devastating strike against a "friendly position" that killed or injured a number of soldiers, including one of Tower's closest friends, he assembled the platoon medic and a third soldier and led them across 150 metres of open terrain, under heavy enemy fire, to help.
On learning that the acting platoon commander had been killed, Tower assumed command and led the extraction of the force, under continuous small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Tower's courage and selfless devotion to duty contributed directly to the survival of the remaining platoon members.
Tower says he too feels the honour being given to him today is not just his alone.
"Well, like the Major, I was surprised. But it is a great honour. And when I think back to that day and everything that happened, the sacrifices made by the other soldiers and the commitment by the younger soldiers and our privates and corporals, you just see these young soldiers doing incredible things on the battlefield. That medal is just as much theirs as it is mine."
The Governor General also presented 33 Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
Among those honoured was Capt. Nichola Goddard, who was killed in a Taliban ambush while directing artillery fire at enemy positions. She was presented the award posthumously.
Goddard was recognized for her service in Operation ARCHER, from January 2006 until her death in May 2006.
Her husband, Jason Beam, accepted the medal on her behalf.
"I'm not quite sure she would enjoy all this publicity about it and being up front and on stage and everything," he said. "She definitely deserves it and definitely earned it."
Goddard became the first Canadian woman soldier killed in combat.
"Her spirit and unfaltering dedication were without equal," her citation reads. "Captain Goddard's passionate and professional approach to her duties and to those in her charge directly inspired all mission members and greatly contributed to the mission's success."
Jean told Canada AM ahead of the ceremony that all the soldiers honoured have demonstrated courage, but they've also shown selflessness.
"Something that I've really been impressed by in talking to our soldiers is to hear them say that when they show courage and valour, that this is natural to them," she said.
"When they receive these medals, the first thing they say is, 'You know, every one of us would have done the same thing. This is for my whole platoon. They all deserve it.' They're so humble and so committed and so devoted to duty."
Canada has long based its military medals on models of the British honours system, such as the Victoria Cross. The new Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour are the first awards created specifically for the Canadian military.
Medal of Military Valour recipients:
Sgt. Michael Thomas Victor Denine
On May 17, 2006, while sustaining intense machine gun and small arms fire, the main cannon and the machine gun on his light armoured vehicle malfunctioned. Completely exposed to enemy fire, he left the air sentry hatch to man the pintle-mounted machine gun. He laid down a high volume of suppressive fire and forced the enemy to withdraw. Sgt. Denine's action ensured mission success and likely saved the lives of his crew.
Master Cpl. Collin Ryan Fitzgerald
On May 24, 2006, Master Cpl. Fitzgerald repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire by entering and re-entering a burning platoon vehicle and successfully driving it off the roadway, permitting the remaining vehicles trapped in the enemy zone to break free. Master Corporal Fitzgerald's courageous and completely selfless actions undoubtedly contributed to saving the lives of his fellow platoon members.
Private Jason Carl Allan Lamont
On July 13, 2006, an element of Private Lamont's reconnaissance platoon came under heavy fire from an enemy compound and was isolated from the rest of the platoon. During the firefight, another soldier was shot while attempting to withdraw to the firing line and was unable to continue. Without regard for his personal safety, Private Lamont, under concentrated enemy fire sprinted through open terrain to administer first aid, demonstrating tremendous courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.
Capt. Derek Prohar
Assigned as liaison officer with the U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan during the battle at Sperwan Ghar, from September 5 to 12, 2006, Capt. Prohar operated as the rear machine gunner on the battalion commander's vehicle. He was wounded by an improvised explosive device during an intense enemy ambush. Despite his injuries, he continued returning fire and assisted the commander with the control of the attack, which resulted in the successful seizing of key terrain.
