Master Corporal Paul Douglas Mitchell of Weymouth was among seven members of the Canadian Forces presented the Medal of Military Valour from Gov-Gen. David Johnston in a Jan. 26 ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Created in 1993, the Medal of Military Valour is awarded to members of the Canadian Forces who have shown or carried out distinct acts of bravery or devotion to duty in the face of enemy hostility. It is the third highest award given to Canadian service personnel.
Mitchell received the honour for acts of bravery during his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2010.
On June 5 that year while Mitchell and the rest of a reconnaissance platoon were patrolling a small village, an improvised explosive device, also known as a roadside bomb, exploded near the soldiers.
Mitchell said the remote controlled explosion occurred while he and his men were talking to a group of villagers, causing the men in his platoon to become separated.
“We came under fire and in the smoke and confusion, I worked to make sure my men were safe,” Mitchell said. “Remaining calm while under fire got us safely through the situation, although our dog was injured in the blast.”
Later that year on July 18, Mitchell and his men were on another reconnaissance mission and came under fire in their position of observation during a shift change.
Mitchell reacted quickly, operating a machine gun to provide covering fire that allowed his men to reach safety and get into their firing positions.
In its description of Mitchell’s actions during both events, the Governor-General’s office said the 27-year-old master corporal repeatedly left himself open to danger during the two sustained insurgent attacks.
“His fearlessness was an inspiration to his fellow soldiers, who ultimately repelled the enemy attacks,” noted the Governor-General’s citation. “Master Cpl. Mitchell’s selfless actions and disregard for his own safety undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow soldiers."
We came under fire and in the smoke and confusion, I worked to make sure my men were safe - Master Cpl. Paul Mitchell
Mitchell said his ability to remain calm under fire and respond quickly in the two combat situations was due to experience gained during his first tour in Afghanistan.
“In both these combat situations, I felt I was just doing my job and was not aware I was up for any medal until my commanding officer informed me last October that I was a Medal of Military Valour recipient.”
Mitchell joined the army in 2003 and saw action as a gunner in a light armoured vehicle in Afghanistan in 2006. He is currently posted in CFB Petawawa and is second in command of a reconnaissance platoon with the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment.
