Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

"D" Company, The North Nova Scotia Highlanders, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 11th, 1945

Recommendation:
On 25 March 1945, during the attack on Bienen, Germany, Private Daniel Isaac Shanks, "D" Company, North Nova Scotia Highlanders, showed utter contempt for withering enemy fire, discharged his duties as senior stretcher bearer with such complete disregard for his own personal safety, that everyone was inspired by the bravery and self sacrifice of this soldier.
"D" Company encountered extremely heavy fire at the opening phase of the attack. Severe machine gun and small arms fire swept the high winter dyke which flanked the western part of Bienen. Private Daniel Isaac Shanks made a total of fourteen trips with his jeep along and over this dyke in direct view of the enemy. All but two of these trips were alone.
At the height of this fierce battle Private Daniel Isaac Shanks realized that only one company stretcher bearer remained unwounded. He crossed the bullet swept dyke on foot and organized volunteer stretcher parties from Support Company personnel. This brave soldier led them into the battle and set them to work with the greatest speed and efficiency. Private Daniel Isaac Shanks continued to assist the Regimental Medical Officer dressing the wounded long after his normal duties had ceased.
The complete disregard for his own personal safety and outstanding display of initiative and bravery shown by Private Daniel Isaac Shanks resulted in the evacuation of a large number of badly wounded soldiers to safety and medical aid. This soldier undoubtedly saved very many of his comrades lives.

Published in The London Gazette, dated 23rd August 1945.