United Nations Commendation (UNTAC)

United Nations Commendation (UNTAC)

Established in February 1992, the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) incorporated the existing UN Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC). UNTAC's mandate encompassed human rights, organizing and conducting free and fair elections, military arrangements, civil administration, maintenance of law and order, repatriation and resettlement of Cambodian refugees and displaced persons, and rehabilitating essential infrastructure during the transitional period. The mission concluded on 15 November 1993. Military observers who served at least 90 consecutive days between 16 March 1992 and 15 November 1993 are eligible for the UNTAC Medal. The medal may be awarded posthumously to members killed or presumed killed while on assignment.


Sergeant V. Ashe Date of Award: unknown Notes United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), 92 Canadian Transportation Company. Mines were an ever-present danger to drivers. The Maintenance Section was tasked to reinforce the floors of the MLVWs as a means of mine protection. After talking and working with the Mine Awareness Staff at UNTAC Headquarters the section developed a system of using 2-inch steel plates. “Plating from the sides of derelict ships in the harbour at Phnom Penh was the source for a lot of the steel,” recalled Master-Corporal R.J. Thompson, a Materials Technician, and Corporal T.E.J. Turpin, a Weapons Technician, who did most of the work. Plates weighing 1,000 pounds were cut and bolted to the frame of vehicles as two separate plates with an air gap. The effect was spaced armour. Installation or removal was easy, requiring only the removal of the cab and seats and only took approximately three hours in 110F temperature! The total cost was approximately US$850, including labour and metal. The modification of the Canadian vehicles was considered so successful that it was decided to install it in all 700 UNTAC three-ton vehicles. Sergeant Ashe was awarded a UN commendation for his part in the modification program. His report led to a project to provide ballistic and blast protection for vehicle crews.

Sergeant V. Ashe

Date of Award: unknown

Notes

United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), 92 Canadian Transportation Company. Mines were an ever-present danger to drivers. The Maintenance Section was tasked to reinforce the floors of the MLVWs as a means of mine protection. After talking and working with the Mine Awareness Staff at UNTAC Headquarters the section developed a system of using 2-inch steel plates. “Plating from the sides of derelict ships in the harbour at Phnom Penh was the source for a lot of the steel,” recalled Master-Corporal R.J. Thompson, a Materials Technician, and Corporal T.E.J. Turpin, a Weapons Technician, who did most of the work. Plates weighing 1,000 pounds were cut and bolted to the frame of vehicles as two separate plates with an air gap. The effect was spaced armour. Installation or removal was easy, requiring only the removal of the cab and seats and only took approximately three hours in 110F temperature! The total cost was approximately US$850, including labour and metal. The modification of the Canadian vehicles was considered so successful that it was decided to install it in all 700 UNTAC three-ton vehicles. Sergeant Ashe was awarded a UN commendation for his part in the modification program. His report led to a project to provide ballistic and blast protection for vehicle crews.

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