Patrick Tower

Sergeant Patrick Tower, S.M.V., C.D. is a Canadian soldier who was the first recipient of the Star of Military Valour, a Canadian military decoration, in recognition of actions under enemy fire taken in the Pashmul region of Afghanistan.

The citation reads:

Sergeant Patrick Tower, S.M.V., C.D.
Edmonton, Alberta, and Victoria, British Columbia
Star of Military Valour

Sergeant Tower is recognized for valiant actions taken on August 3, 2006, in the Pashmul region of Afghanistan. Following an enemy strike against an outlying friendly position that resulted in numerous casualties, Sergeant Tower assembled the platoon medic and a third soldier and led them across 150 metres of open terrain, under heavy enemy fire, to render assistance. On learning that the acting platoon commander had perished, Sergeant Tower assumed command and led the successful extraction of the force under continuous small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Sergeant Tower’s courage and selfless devotion to duty contributed directly to the survival of the remaining platoon members.

References

* [http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4905 Governor General announces the first-ever awarding of Military Valour Decorations, October 27, 2006]
* [http://www.forces.gc.ca/hr/dhh/honours_awards/engraph/honour_awards_e.asp?cat=3&Q_ID=25 Star of Military Valour (S.M.V.)]
* [http://www.forces.gc.ca/hr/dhh/honours_awards/engraph/med1_e.asp?cat=3 Canadian Forces Honours and Awards Chart]