Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance-Sergeant

Unit:

5th Field Company, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Recommendation:
Sergeant H.M. Fitzpatrick was Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the Special Beach Obstacle Clearance Party for the landing on the Normandy coast on 6 June 1944. He was unaccompanied by an officer and landed at H-Hour. When the obstacles were still under very heavy fire from the beaches, he and his men encouraged by his example worked at great personal risk to themselves and carried out their dangerous task with above average success. He continued his task after the departure of the enemy and very rapidly disposed of the remaining mine obstacles. I consider that the Non-Commissioned Officer's devotion to duty contributed much towards the success of the operation and that he should receive recognition of the same.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 31 August, 1944.