Canadians Need A Hero
Private Jess Larochelle is a shining example of heroism in the face of a deadly encounter with the Taliban but our government thinks it's best that we ignore it.
It’s become very clear that Canada doesn’t give two shits about its military. We’re not a serious country, in general, so how could we possibly take our military and those who have been heroic on the battlefield seriously.
The story of Private Jess Larochelle is absolutely ridiculous. He battled through a Taliban platoon’s advance on his position to overrun his platoon, which was already beaten up from a mine blast. He did this with one eye, a broken back, deaf and suffering from a serious concussion.
He was rocked by the Taliban’s initial attack on his position. He was the only soldier manning his observation post. He never gave up. Even after the dust had settled, he remained in his observation post overnight until proper relief was in place. He made sure he was present at his friend’s ramp ceremony before he received medical attention for his serious wounds.
For his actions that day in 2006, he was awarded the Star of Military Valour. There is only one higher order for bravery and that’s the Victoria Cross.
His actions were similar to our last living recipient of the VC, Smokey Smith. Smokey passed away 20 years ago but you can read how he singlehandedly held off an entire German assault with a few anti-tank rounds and spraying machine gun rounds at German infantry until they gave up.
We’re Unique (Again)
Canada is a unique country. We are the only country that has yet to award its highest medal for military bravery during the Global War on Terror. This doesn’t make sense. This was Canada’s longest war, and it affected an entire generation of Canadians. Our veteran motto is “Lest We Forget”, and it seems like the Canadian government has forgotten that message.
Our veteran community is dying for a hero. The indifference to our sacrifices for our country is the deepest moral injury a soldier can have. Recognizing the heroism of one of our finest soldiers during that war would begin to mend the hearts of a lot of us. I know it would for me.
“Jess was simply an incredible young man, a fiercely proud Canadian, and a true hero. Our country is lesser in his absence.” - Rick Hillier
The campaign to get Jess the VC is back on and we need your support by signing it and showing our politicians we’re not going to fade away because you say no.
Link to the petition - SIGN HERE
Private Larochelle’s Hero Story
October 14, 2006 — Pashmul, Afghanistan
It was October 14, 2006. Afghanistan. Pashmul. 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, holding the flank. Jess was at his post when ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE.
Jess manned an observation post that took a direct RPG hit. He woke up concussed, with his back shattered, a detached retina, and a blown eardrum. Yet, here’s the thing…
One-Man Army
He calmly grabbed his C6 machine gun, started laying down lethal cover, then switched to M72 rocket launchers. That guy fired off fifteen rockets at a Taliban force of 20–40 armed with RPGs, AKs, and light machine guns—basically armageddon in a mild oven.
Valour Recognized — But Not Fully
For that insanity, he earned Canada’s Star of Military Valour — our second-highest medal for bravery. But many argue he deserved Canada’s rarest of rare: the Victoria Cross.
The Campaign for the VC
A grassroots campaign kicked off in 2021 to get him upgraded to a VC – backed by tens of thousands of signatures and even Gen. Rick Hillier. The problem? Bureaucracy. Deadlines had passed. November 2023 came and went. Tough, but not fair.
A Hero Lost
Then, the ultimate curveball: he passed away on August 30, 2023, at just 40 years old, still grappling with war injuries. People reflected. Folks lit campfires in his honour.
Let’s Make It Right
Jess Larochelle didn’t die for glory. He fought for his buddies. He didn’t want a ticker tape parade—just peace, grit, and campfires. He earned our reverence, deserved a VC, and reminds us that true courage doesn’t scream—it sends screaming hot deatħ at its enemies.
If you think Jess deserves his Victoria Cross, do something—share this story, throw your voice behind the petition, and don’t let his legacy fade. Let’s give this hero the honour a hero earned.
THFE
Dave