Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

A Company, 1st Battalion South Saskatchewan Regiment, 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

December 8th, 1945

Recommendation:
On 14 December 1944 the South Saskatchewan Regiment was holding a defensive position at Groesbeek and "A" Company was the left forward Company. Early in the afternoon, a heavy fog descended and considerable enemy movement could be heard, which warned of an impending attack. In order to ascertain the enemy's plans and if possible take a prisoner for interrogation, the Company Commander ordered Corporal Merritt Wells Silvius to take a small patrol to the enemy lines and under cover of the fog obtain all possible information.
Under Corporal Silvius' able leadership the patrol stealthily advanced over the flat ground under cover of the fog until it reached the enemy lines undetected. Disposing part of his patrol as a covering force, this Non-Commissioned Officer made his way forward with two men and moved from point to point across the enemy front securing valuable information of the enemy activity and dispositions. On his return Corporal Silvius saw and unsuspecting German officer approaching. Remaining quietly hidden, he waited until the officer came close and then the three men sprang at him. The officer fought stubbornly to escape and this disturbance immediately attracted the enemy's attention and heavy machine gun and rifle fire was directed at them through the fog. Unfortunately the officer broke away and would have escaped had he not been shot while trying to do so.
Having gained sufficient information and having lost his chance to take a prisoner, Corporal Silvius remained with one man and a light machine gun as a covering party and ordered the patrol to withdraw. Undaunted by the heavy enemy fire he directed his own fire until the remainder were able to get clear and into a position from which they could cover his withdrawal. Dashing back through the intense fire, his gunner stepped on an enemy Schumine and was badly wounded. Corporal Silvius quickly led his patrol back to the company lines, and then when they were in a position of safety, returned to bring in the wounded soldier. Heedless of the enemy fire and the danger of the mines, he skillfully searched through the minefield until he found his wounded comrade. Dressing his wound he carried him carefully back to his own lines and placed him in charge of two stretcher bearers. He then made his complete report to his Company Commander.
The valuable information gained was largely due to Corporal Silvius' personal skill, gallantry, and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy, and his disregard for personal safety while aiding his wounded comrade gained for him the greatest admiration of all in the company. This action was typical of this Non-Commissioned Officer's unfailing sacrifice and leadership throughout the many bitterly fought battles for the liberation of the Netherlands.

Royal Decree No. 2, dated December 8th, 1945.