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Morton, Ronald Edward Alfred

Nationality:
Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
10th Armoured Regiment (The Fort Garry Horse), 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, Canadian Army
Recommendation:
On D Day and during every action since then in which his regiment has been involved, Lieutenant-Colonel Morton has shown outstanding leadership, ability and courage in handling his regiment and in the cooperative way he has worked with other arms. It was his skill and determination on D Day that largely contributed to the successful supporting of the 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade onto their objective which was considered of such importance to the successful landing and subsequent operation of 3 Canadian Infantry Division. During this action he personally attacked and destroyed with his tank an enemy battalion headquarters. On D+2 after he had organized and supervised a tank-infantry attack from Les Buissons onto Vieux Cairon and when subsequently withdrawing he personally protected a disabled tank until it was successfully towed to safety. On D+3 at Les Buissons he organized an attack to restore a situation. During this action his tank was hit by an '88. He continued to fight until his tank was hit twice more by '88s and set on fire. He got his crew out and withdrew them through the enemy infantry a distance of a mile. His splendid cooperation with 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade during the attack on Carpiquet and subsequently during the garrisoning of the area was a large contribution to the success of this battle. While performing the garrison duty of defending Carpiquet from 5 to 8 July 1944, his regiment was subjected to intense short range fire from three sides. He personally supervised the defensive arrangements and in so doing inspired his whole regiment with his coolness and confidence. From 12 to 18 July when his regiment was supporting 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade in the area of Verson, he displayed the same qualities as he had shown at Carpiquet and was an inspiring example not only to his own men but to the infantry with whom he was working. The splendid consistent display of courage, determination, cheerfulness and cooperation has been a most outstanding example of the best soldierly qualities and is worthy of the highest recognition.

Periodic Award.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

The Canada Gazette, 9 March, 1946.

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