Minister of Veterans Affairs presents British Arctic Star medal to Second World War Veteran James William Galloway

HAMILTON, ON, July 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, presented James William Galloway, a Second World War Veteran, with a British Arctic Star medal on the occasion of his 90th birthday in Hamilton. David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale, also attended the celebration.

Mr. Galloway joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942, and served in Arctic convoys that crossed the North Atlantic - protecting ships that were delivering supplies to the Allies across northern Europe to Murmansk in Russia. 

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Canada's veterans are recognized for their service to their country, and that they receive the benefits and respect they deserve when their time in uniform is complete.

Quick Facts

• The Arctic Star, a military honour unveiled by the Government of the United Kingdom in 2012, is granted for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle from September 3, 1939, to May 8, 1945. It commemorates and recognizes the particular severity of the conditions experienced by those who served in the Arctic during the Second World War, and is available to all Commonwealth Forces including those from Canada.

• During the Second World War, many Canadians served on Allied convoys as they sailed across the Arctic Ocean to deliver vital supplies to Russia. Commonly known as the Murmansk Run, ships departed from North American ports and sailed to the northern Soviet Union in an effort to assist them in their fight against Germany.

• Eligible Veterans and next-of-kin can apply for the Arctic Star.

• Applications can be found online by visiting veterans.gc.ca. To receive a copy of the application form or for more information on this medal, contact Veterans Affairs Canada by calling toll free at 1-866-522-2122 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Quotes

"It is truly an honour to formally recognize Mr. Galloway for his courage, strength, and sacrifice. We cannot under estimate the severity of the conditions that he and so many others endured while serving in the Arctic during the Second World War, and our Government thanks him for his service on behalf of Canadians everywhere."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"All of Hamilton is extremely proud that James Galloway, a local Veteran who served our country with distinction in the Second World War, is one of this exclusive group of Arctic Star recipients. He is a local hero."
David Sweet, MP for Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale

Associated Links

• Information on the Canadian Order of Precedence
• Photo of the medal
• Information about the Arctic Star

Image with caption: "The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, presents a British Arctic Star medal to Second World War Veteran James William Galloway on the occasion of his 90th birthday in Hamilton. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140724_C1680_PHOTO_EN_4474.jpg

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468