Father wonders why his fallen son doesn't merit Sacrifice Medal
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 | 4:19 PM CT
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Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh, 33, died on Aug. 9, 2006, while on patrol outside Kandahar. (DND)A Regina man is asking why his son and other indirect casualties of war will not be awarded a new Sacrifice Medal to honour fallen soldiers.
Ben Walsh's son, Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh, died in Afghanistan in 2006 when he was accidentally shot by a fellow soldier.
When Canada's Gov.-Gen. Michaëlle Jean announced that a new honour called the Sacrifice Medal would be awarded mainly to slain or wounded members of the Canadian military, Walsh inquired about his son.
Walsh received a reply in early September, saying his son was not eligible for recognition.
"It wasn't the answer I expected from them," Walsh told CBC News on Tuesday.
The Sacrifice Medal, he was told, is mainly for soldiers killed or wounded as a direct result of hostile action, and accidental shootings by comrades do not qualify.
Walsh said that means 13 Canadians killed in Afghanistan will not receive the honour. He said the policy should be changed.
"It was not their choice to die in Afghanistan, they gave their life for Canada."
Walsh said all soldiers' families deserve compassion and understanding for the loss of a loved one.
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