Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

A Company, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 10 July 1943 in the vicinity of Pachino Airfield “A” Coy The Royal Canadian Regiment of which Pte Grigas was a member, was operating against enemy coastal defense. At 1000 hrs the Coy commenced an assault on a coast defense battery immediately North of Pachino Airfield. Pte Grigas’s Sec Comd became a casualty.
Pte Grigas took command of the section and, advancing under heavy fire managed to reach the perimeter wire. The remainder of the Coy was by this time pinned to the ground. Pte Grigas breached a gap in the wire and led his section through to assault three enemy concrete posts which were knocked out in quick succession. Although Pte Grigas section was the only section of the Coy to enter the battery position the attack was led with such determination that it caused the immediate surrender of the garrison of approximately two hundred men and in the capture of four 9.2 howitzers and large quantities of ammunition small arms and stores. The personal gallantry, determination and leadership of Pte Grigas was largely responsible for the success of this operation.