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View Full Version : Canada John Makela, Medal of Military Valour;Afghanistan



bobdina
08-22-2009, 04:15 PM
Order of Canadian Medals
* The Victoria Cross is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre‑eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy.

* 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.



On 16 October 2006, Corporal Makela prevented a fatal attack on his combat logistics patrol by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. As the turret gunner providing overwatch for the convoy, he accurately identified the approaching suspicious vehicle as a suicide bomber car. Despite the likely potential of an explosion, he maintained his exposed position and applied fire, resulting in the premature detonation of the bomber car. The explosion engulfed Corporal Makela’s vehicle and seriously burned him. His valiant and courageous actions inevitably prevented the bomber from reaching his intended target and saved the lives of other soldiers in the convoy.


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