Canada's Meritorious Service Medal will be awarded to a captain who assisted in the seizure...
Canada's Meritorious Service Medal will be awarded to a captain who assisted in the seizure of 66,000 tonnes of contraband Iraqi oil in the Persian Gulf. Capt. Kelly Williams of Orleans, who commanded the Canadian frigate HMCS Winnipeg during the seizure, is one of three Canadians who will receive the medal from Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson.
From March to September 2001, Capt. Williams led his crew as maritime interception commander during 32 armed boardings of disguised Iraqi vessels smuggling contraband oil in the Gulf for Saddam Hussein .
The Meritorious Service Medal is given to military personnel who have displayed outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces.
The citation that accompanies the medal says Capt. Williams, who was then a commander, showed outstanding leadership while commanding the Winnipeg as part of the USS Constellation battle group that enforced a United Nations oil and arms embargo.
The seizure of millions of dollars worth of contraband Iraqi oil was a first for a Canadian ship.
