King Charles III Coronation Medal Awarded to WWII Veteran Ed Marshall

Feb 4, 2025
2 min read

By Samantha Winnicki

TORONTO, ON.

WO Adam Winnicki and Ed Marshall with a photo from their charity jump for SickKids

February 1, 2025, marked a momentous day for 101-year-old Canadian WWII veteran and paratrooper Ed Marshall who was awarded the commemorative King Charles III Coronation Medal. Last spring, Marshall launched a fundraiser for The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto titled The 100 Year Jump, pledging to complete a tandem skydive and aiming to raise one thousand dollars for every year of his life. On July 12, 2024, Marshall bravely jumped from 13,000ft becoming the oldest person to tandem skydive in Canadian history and raising an incredible $105,000 for SickKids.

The King Coronation Medal marks the May 6, 2023 Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It is awarded to Canadians from all walks of life who have made outstanding contributions to their community and country. In recognition of Marshall’s extraordinary efforts, the Canadian Airborne Forces Association nominated him for this honour, highlighting his significant contribution to the community and legacy of airborne forces.

The medal ceremony took place in the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre to an audience of family and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Coronation Medal was presented by Scott Moody, Commanding Officer of 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. Sitting next to Marshall was Warrant Officer Adam Winnicki, paratrooper in the Queens of Rifles and tandem instructor on Ed's skydive. Marshall, who stood to receive his medal, graciously thanked his donors and everyone who has supported his dream to return to the skies after nearly 80 years.

CANPARA Magazine - Digital Article (Page 24-26)

Ed Marshall with CAFA Representatives; (L-R) M.Shannon, A.Winnicki, C.Boileau, C.Wilson, S.Moody
LCol Scott Moody, WO Adam Winnicki, Ed Marshall
LCol Scott Moody, presenting Ed has medal.
Ed Marshall's Grandson, Bailey Fullan - saying a few words
Ed receiving his medal from LCol Scott Moody
Ed's Medals dating back to WW2, and original jump wings
WO Adam Winnicki, former SkyHawk, took Ed for his first freewill jump
Ed's Great-Grandson
CAFA Members with Ed
Ed Marshall with his Family who attended the ceremony at Sunnybrook
Ed's Jump featured in CANPARA - The Canadian Sport Parachute Asso. Magazine