Warrant Officer David George Shultz received the Star of Military Valour medal for his pivotal role in defending a patrol team that was ambushed by insurgents in Afghanistan in May 2008. Warrant Officer David George Shultz received the Star of Military Valour medal for his pivotal role in defending a patrol team that was ambushed by insurgents in Afghanistan in May 2008. (CBC)

Medals were given Friday to 48 members of the Canadian Forces for their courage and service.

In an Ottawa ceremony, Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean presented soldiers with three different medals of distinction: one Star of Military Valour; 10 medals of Military Valour to those who have displayed devotion to duty in combat; and six Meritorious Service Crosses and 31 Meritorious Service Medals for achievements in military service.

Warrant Officer David George Shultz, from the Edmonton area, received the Star of Military Valour medal.

Shultz played a pivotal role in defending a patrol team that was ambushed by insurgents in Afghanistan in May 2008, said a news release from the Governor General's office. He repeatedly re-entered the danger zone to pull out injured soldiers and assist with the patrol's fighting withdrawal.

Warrant Officer Dale Milton Verge, from Newfoundland and Labrador, received a medal of Military Valour for his part in defending an Afghan police substation in March 2008.

Verge was caught in a fierce battle with insurgents and sustained significant injuries early in the action. Despite his wounds, he continued fighting and helped to repel the attack.

The Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour were created in 1993. They are the second- and third-highest military honours a Canadian may receive, next to the Victoria Cross.

Cmdr. Pierre Christophe Dickinson, from Ottawa and Sillery, Que., was honoured with a Meritorious Service Cross. He led the Canadian navy ship Ville de Quebec during a NATO deployment in 2008. The ship successfully escorted World Food Program vessels through pirate-threatened waters in the Arabian Sea.

One of the 31 Meritorious Service Medals was awarded to Maj. Catherine Enid Potts of Kingston, Ont., for commanding the Air Capability Activation Team in Afghanistan from June 2008 to January 2009.