Major Paeta Derek Hess-von Kruedener's body was identified yesterday by DNA testing.
Maj Hess-von Kruedener was in a United Nations Observation Post, in south Lebanon, on July 25, when it was bombed by Israeli Defence Forces. Three other United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs) were also killed in the attack.
Major Hess-von Kruedener was an infantry officer with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and had been serving in the area with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
His wife, Cynthia, and their children had been hoping he had survived the attack.
"This sad news underlines the deep concerns raised by the dramatic upsurge in regional hostilities and the tragic toll that they are exacting in human suffering," Governor General Michaëlle Jean said in a statement issued yesterday.
"Our Government fully intends to investigate the circumstances that led to this tragic incident," revealed Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a statement issued today. "I have asked our military to investigate and work in conjunction with the Government of Israel and the United Nations to determine what occurred."
"This regrettable event underscores the dangers that our Canadian Forces members face, in all the roles they undertake, to serve our country with distinction and honour and provide assistance to citizens in countries far from our shores."
Canada's contribution to this mission is called Operation JADE. Maj Hess-von Krudener had been serving on Op JADE since October 2005. This operation is Canada's longest serving mission overseas, beginning in 1954.
PIC2RThe mandate of the UN in the area is to assist the parties in supervising application and observance of General Armistice Agreements concluded separately between Israel and Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria (1949).
The UNMOs also observe and maintain the cease-fire ordered by the UN Security Council (1967).
UNTSO is present in the Israel-Lebanon sector and in the Egypt- Israel sector in the Sinai. It also maintains liaison offices in Beirut and Damascus.
Photos courtesy of the United Nations and the Department of National Defence
