Meritorious Service Cross

The Meritorious Service Cross (post-nominals: MSC) recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces.

Major-General Stuart Alexander Beare CMM MSC MSM CD
Awarded on: February 1, 2013 Invested on: September 10, 2013
As the deputy commander of the military police within the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan from June 2010 to July 2011, Major-General Beare led the largest build-up of police forces in the mission’s history. Working tirelessly with his Afghan counterparts and commanding a diverse, multinational organization, he built a solid foundation for the Afghan National Police and positioned the organization for ongoing success. Major-General Beare’s leadership and strategic vision had a profound and lasting impact on the success of the mission.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Keith Chamberlain MSC CD
Awarded on: June 26, 2008 Invested on: February 13, 2009
Lieutenant-Colonel Chamberlain was deployed as the commanding officer of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team, from January 2007 to February 2008. With courage and determination, he created momentum to improve the governance and development aspects of the mission. His leadership and diplomatic skills directly contributed to the enhancement of the Canadian mission in Kandahar Province.
Major-General Roméo Antonius Dallaire CMM MSC CD
Awarded on: May 20, 1994 Invested on: September 30, 1994
This valiant Canadian officer displayed exceptional professionalism and leadership, and altruism of the highest order despite perilous circumstances while commanding the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda. From August 1993 to May 1994, Major-General Dallaire worked tirelessly to negotiate ceasefires between the warring factions and to re-establish civil order. He ensured the evacuation of foreign nationals and the protection of Rwandan refugees. Thousands of lives were saved through his unflagging efforts.
Major-General Dany Joseph Serge Steve Fortin OMM MSC CD
Awarded on: August 14, 2020 Invested on: October 05, 2023
From October 2018 to November 2019, Major-General Fortin assumed command of the NATO training and capacity building mission in Iraq, transforming a 7-person team into a mission with over 500 participants that moved beyond tactical training to include strategic-level professional military education. He successfully built a multinational team into a cohesive command that greatly contributed to the Iraqi security forces’ security sector reform. Major-General Fortin’s outstanding leadership, dedication and professionalism brought great honour to Canada and NATO.
Colonel Simon Charles Hetherington MSC CD
Awarded on: April 26, 2012 Invested on: January 26, 2012
Colonel Hetherington served as deputy commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan from November 2009 to September 2010. His dedication and integrity helped to maintain campaign momentum despite an increasingly demanding operational tempo. With exceptional leadership abilities, he assumed command of the task force at a critical juncture in the mission, which strengthened Canada’s credibility with our allies and kept the task force focused. Colonel Hetherington’s professionalism was critical to the success of the mission, and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.
Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Charles Hetherington MSC CD
Awarded on: July 10, 2007 Invested on: October 12, 2007
Lieutenant-Colonel Hetherington was deployed as commanding officer of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT), Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from June 2006 to January 2007. His exceptional leadership of the entire government team, as well as his tactical acumen, generated outstanding results in development, reconstruction and governance operations. His dynamic character and expert knowledge earned unstinting respect from Afghan and Coalition leaders and projected a strong, positive image of Canada’s role in Afghanistan. Lieutenant-Colonel Hetherington’s achievements during his assignment with the KPRT provided an extraordinary contribution to the International Security Assistance Force mission and played a vital role in helping the Afghan people rebuild their nation.
Lieutenant-Colonel Steven James Hunter MSC MSM CD
Awarded on: July 20, 2017 Invested on: February 28, 2018
During two separate tours as the commander of a special operations task force, Lieutenant-Colonel Hunter displayed unparalleled leadership and competence. His strength and deft command were critical in the aftermath of an incident that injured three operators and killed another in theatre. His tactical innovation modified intelligence collection methodology, resulting in substantially improved kinetic effects against the enemy. With thoroughness, he assured the seamless integration of a specialized team employment, receiving regular praise by the host nation and the coalition leadership.
Major-General Andrew Brooke Leslie MSC MSM CD
Awarded on: August 27, 2004 Invested on: November 26, 2004
Major-General Leslie was deployed as the Commander for Task Force Kabul and also served as Deputy Commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) of Operation ATHENA in Afghanistan, from August 2003 to February 2004. He guided the ISAF team of 2,200 members to exceptional results, and in doing so, ensured that a safe and secure environment was maintained within Kabul, while building mutual respect between the Afghan Transitional Authorities and the ISAF coalition partners. Major-General Leslie’s outstanding leadership, dedication and tireless efforts were pivotal to the successful completion of this mission.
Major-General John Archibald MacInnis CMM MSC CD
Awarded on: March 10, 1995 Invested on: May 31, 1995
As Deputy Commander of the United Nations Protection Force and Commander of its Canadian Contingent in the former Yugoslavia from July 1993 to June 1994, Major-General MacInnis consistently demonstrated strong leadership, selfless dedication and personal courage. He played a key role in all operations and activities and his personal efforts were a vital element in securing several cease-fire agreements. Throughout, Major-General MacInnis’ outstanding leadership and exceptional diplomatic and military skills brought great credit to the United Nations, to the Canadian Forces and to Canada in the world community.
Colonel Barry Wayne MacLeod MSC CD
Awarded on: October 27, 2005 Invested on: April 28, 2006
As Chief of Staff of the United Nations Mission in Haiti from May 2004 to January 2005, Colonel MacLeod distinguished himself through his outstanding dedication during complex and highly stressful circumstances. His actions in establishing the United Nations Mission, while promoting a secure environment, highlighted his superior leadership skills, determination and patience. During his tenure, Colonel MacLeod brought great honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
Chief Warrant Officer (Master Gunner) Michael Lawrence McDonald MMM MSC CD
Awarded on: October 18, 2006 Invested on: February 19, 2007
In 2006, Chief Warrant Officer McDonald served as the Brigade Sergeant-Major of Task Force Aegis, the multinational brigade headquarters for Operation ARCHER in Afghanistan. An outstanding leader and ambassador, he helped shape this dynamic and effective multinational headquarters. He reinforced the international reputation of Canadian soldiers and his tenacious drive and determination, coupled with a sound understanding of brigade dynamics, contributed to Canada’s successes as part of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Colonel George Joseph Oehring MSC CD
Awarded on: March 10, 1995 Invested on: May 31, 1995
Colonel Oehring assumed command of Sector South in the former Yugoslavia in September 1993 and, by May 1994, was instrumental in securing and maintaining a comprehensive cease-fire agreement in the most sensitive and violent area of Croatia. That agreement became the cornerstone of others throughout the country, and led to extensive removal of minefields in the area and significant improvements in the living conditions of the local inhabitants. His leadership, professionalism and diplomatic skill helped forge many non-military agencies into an enthusiastic, co-operative and effective team for the benefit of all.
Lieutenant-General Michael Norman Rouleau OMM MSC CD
Lieutenant Garth Webb MC MSC