In the better-late-than never department, there was an announcement last week that six Canadian soldiers would be receiving the Medal of Military Valour — which is third in the hierarchy of Canadian military bravery awards behind the Star of Military Valour and the Victoria Cross — for their actions in Afghanistan.

As it always is with these things, it’s probably better if you just read the citations yourself, as they’re pretty amazing.

Here you go:

Lieutenant Guillaume Frédéric Caron, M.M.V., C.D., Rimouski, Quebec

As part of an Operational Mentor and Liaison Team in Afghanistan from April to October 2009, Lieutenant Caron contributed to the battle group’s operational success. While supervising an Afghan National Army company, he distinguished himself during combat operations through his courage on the battlefield, notably when he led the difficult recovery of an Afghan helicopter that had been shot down. Through his leadership, combat skills and tactical acumen, Lieutenant Caron has brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.

Corporal Bradley D. Casey, M.M.V., Pugwash, Nova Scotia

On February 18, 2010, Corporal Casey risked his life to provide treatment to a wounded Afghan National Army soldier. With bullets striking around him, he provided critical treatment and transported the casualty to the medical evacuation helicopter. Despite being under constant fire, Corporal Casey never wavered from his task, ensuring the provision of exceptional medical care to a fellow soldier.

Private Tony Rodney Vance Harris, M.M.V., Penfield, New Brunswick

On November 23, 2009, Private Harris was at Forward Operating Base Wilson, in Afghanistan, when insurgents unleashed a mortar attack. Without regard for his own safety, he ran to the scene of the impact and provided first aid to American soldiers. Noticing another soldier trapped inside a burning sea container, Private Harris went to his aid, single-handedly pulled him to safety and rendered life-saving first-aid as rounds continued to fall. Private Harris’ courageous and decisive actions under fire that day saved several lives and brought great credit to Canada.

Captain Michael A. MacKillop, M.M.V., C.D., Calgary, Alberta

As commander of a reconnaissance platoon from October 2009 to May 2010, Captain MacKillop disrupted insurgent activities in a volatile sector of Afghanistan through his courageous and relentless engagement of the enemy. Often facing fierce resistance and fire from multiple directions, he remained composed during intense battles, calmly providing direction and constantly looking to gain the advantage. Captain MacKillop’s exceptional leadership under fire and his ability to get the most from his soldiers were critical to consistently defeating insurgents in Afghanistan.

Master Corporal Gilles-Remi Mikkelson, M.M.V., Bella Coola, British Columbia

On November 1, 2009, a member of Master Corporal Mikkelson’s joint Canadian-Afghan foot patrol was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device. During the ensuing ambush, Master Corporal Mikkelson selflessly crossed through intense enemy fire to provide life-saving first aid to the critically wounded Afghan soldier. Despite the danger, his outstanding courage saved a comrade’s life and brought great credit to Canada and the Canadian Forces.

Master Corporal Marc-André J. M. Rousseau, M.M.V., La Sarre, Quebec

On August 3, 2010, while Master Corporal Rousseau was conducting an exercise with a group of civilians at the Kandahar Airfield, insurgents blew a hole in the fence in an attempt to force their way inside. Despite being under heavy fire, Master Corporal Rousseau led two comrades over exposed ground, occupied a nearby vehicle and aggressively engaged the enemy. Without regard for his own safety, Master Corporal Rousseau demonstrated outstanding leadership and courage, which proved vital to winning the battle and saving countless lives on the airfield.