Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance Sergeant

Unit:

No.17 Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

1945

At 16.30 hrs on 11 April 1945, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry crossed the IJssel River to form a bridgehead in the area MR 9303. D Company was right assault company, with 17 platoon leading, its objective being a dyke 500 yards from the river bank: K69872. Corporal (Lance Sergeant) Thomas Hanberry was a Section Leader in 17 platoon.
When the platoon reached its objective, an enemy tank was seen in a prepared position on 16 platoon’s objective. An attempt was made to knock it out by Piat fire, but the range was too great and all the bombs fell short. When only one bomb was left, Lance Sergeant Hanberry volunteered to carry the Piat forward to within range and deal with the tank. The tank was now blazing away with its machine guns; despite the intensity of its fire this non commissioned officer crawled forward 100 yards over very exposed ground. Finally arriving within range, he found he was in a position where he had to expose himself to fire. With never a thought for his own safety he calmly took aim and with his one bomb knocked out the tank. 16 Platoon was then able to reach its objective and deal with the position at the cost of only one man slightly wounded.
Shortly after Lance Sergeant Hanberry had returned to his platoon an enemy MG 42 opened fire from the right rear, seriously wounding the platoon sergeant. Although he now knew that the slightest movement in the platoon position brought down accurate and heavy machine gun fire from the rear, Lance Sergeant Hanberry promptly carried the sergeant back a distance of over one quarter of a mile to the River crossing place through a hail of machine gun bullets for the first 200 yards. He then returned to his platoon still under machine gun fire, and took over as platoon sergeant, carrying on throughout the operation on 11-12 April to expand the bridgehead with conspicuous confidence and gallantry.
By his dash and courage while under withering fire this non commissioned officer knocked out an enemy tank that would otherwise have prevented a vital part of the battalion bridgehead being taken. His gallant and selfless act in carrying out his seriously wounded comrade under heavy fire undoubtedly saved his life. Throughout the whole action Lance Sergeant Hanberry displayed courage and initiative far beyond the normal call of duty.

Near Deventer/Overijssel, the Netherlands.