Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

No.2 Light Field Ambulance, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

March 16th, 1944

Recommendation:
"On 9 December 1943 near San Leonardo, a tank was completely knocked out and set on fire by heavy enemy anti-tank fire and the crew was forced to evacuate. The crew commander was badly wounded and burned. An unsuccessful attempt was made to reach the wounded officer in an ambulance-jeep. With no thought of personal safety and without hesitation, Private Barss with a medical Sergeant set out on foot and reached the tank, rendered first aid and brought the wounded officer back a distance of 200 yards while exposed to enemy shelling and fire. This most gallant action in the face of the enemy resulted in the life of this officer being saved."