Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

D Company, 1st Battalion The Regina Rifle Regiment, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

May 31st, 1945

"On the 18 February 1945 at approximately 1330 hours, "D" Company of the 1st Battalion The Regina Rifle Regiment moved off in an attack through "B" Company intro the woods south of MOYLAND, Germany. Lieutenant KEATING was in command of 16 platoon who were to take a portion of the high ground in the center of the woods.

The Company met with extremely heavy resistance and the flame throwers who were to support the attack were knocked out but Lieutenant KEATING led his platoon, through intense machine gun and mortar fire, direct to their objective, driving the Germans from their slit trenches. On consolidation, Lieutenant KEATING found he had only twelve men left and on his left were eight men of 17 platoon. The remainder of the company were unable to advance, so Lieutenant KEATING organized this little group and for five hours drove off repeated counter attacks, all the while completely cut off from his company and battalion. Several times the Germans penetrated within his defences but each time the enemy were killed in hand to hand combat.

After this period Lieutenant KEATING was reinforced by the remainder of "D" Company and for a further period of twenty-four hours the position was repeatedly counter attacked and each time these attacks were beaten off. Throughout the entire bitter action the enemy poured heavy machine gun and mortar fire into the position.

The magnificent leadership and courage displayed by Lieutenant KEATING was directly responsible for the taking of this height and although weary from days without sleep he so inspired and cheered his men that they held it under most adverse conditions."