OTTAWA - A member of the Royal Canadian Regiment is receiving the country's second-highest award for military valour for his heroic actions in Afghanistan.
Maj. David Quick of Burnstown, Ont., will receive the Star of Military Valour for "exceptional courage" while commanding the RCR's India Company, 2nd Battalion, for eight months last year.
Awarded by the Governor General, the Star of Military Valour is second only to the Victoria Cross among Canadian military decorations.
Given for "distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy," the Star was created in 1993 and has now been awarded 19 times - all for actions in Afghanistan.
Quick's citation says he led his troops from the front during numerous intense combat operations throughout Afghanistan's Zharey District.
It says his "prowess and selfless dedication" after he'd been wounded by a bomb inspired the battle group to victory last April 22.
Quick's award is among five Military Valour Decorations for gallantry and devotion to duty in combat and 24 Meritorious Service Decorations for achievements that have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada announced by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean on Tuesday.
