OTTAWA — A Canadian soldier who died in Lebanon last year is one of three soldiers who is going to receive a decoration for service to his country.

Major Paeta Derek Hess-von Kruedener, from Kingston, Ontario is being awarded the Meritorious Service Cross posthumously.

The Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry officer was killed by an Israeli bomb on July 25th, 2006 while serving at a United Nations observation post in southern Lebanon.

Lieutenant-Colonel Omer Henry Lavoie, from Petawawa, who commanded the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, in southern Afghanistan, is also being awarded a Meritorious Service Cross, for his role in two complex operations, including Operation MEDUSA.

Warrant Officer Michael Bradley Smith, from Calgary, will receive a Meritorious Service Medal for leadership as a tactics and weapons maintenance instructor in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia last year.

Governor General Michaelle Jean says the Meritorious Service Decorations go to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

The presentation ceremony will be held at a later date.