Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

B Company, 1st Battalion, The Regina Rifle Regiment, 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 11th, 1945

Citation:
"At Emmerich, Germany, on the morning of the 29th of March 1945 at 1000 hours, two companies of the Regina Rifle Regiment were advancing into the town with the task of clearing and holding the eastern half of this important stronghold. 'B' Company, commanded by Major Leonard Vincent McGurran was on the right with in support one troop of 'Crocodiles'.

On the advance to the town the companies were subjected to very heavy shelling and mortaring and it required the highest standard of leadership to keep the companies advancing. Immediately on reaching the town 'B' Company came under intense small arms fire and the fighting became very confused. Although the right flank of the company was entirely open and the town was fanatically defended from prepared positions Major McGurran maintained the impetus of the attack by his courageous and skillful leadership and daring personal liaison with all his platoons.

In the latter stages of the battle, Major McGurran was painfully wounded in several places but he refused to be evacuated until his company had gained all their objectives and had completed their consolidation."