Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

A Company, The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On the morning of 18 July 1943 on the plain of Grammichele during an assault by the Hast & PER fighting echelon came under very heavy concentration of fire, both from German and Italian guns, when held up by road blocks. Under extremely heavy fire from mortars, 20mm and 88mm guns, our vehicles took cover. Pte Gunner (I Section) rode forward, but his motorcycle was machine gunned and shot out of action beneath him. He dismounted and moved up the blazing column on foot spotting for our artillery.
He detected an enemy OP and mortars on the right which had been causing many casualties, and passed this to the artillery FOO. This enemy mortar was silenced forthwith. He continued to spot for artillery targets, moving up and down the column under fire successfully directing our guns. Pte Gunter kept a very cool and level head throughout the battle, took upon himself the duty of observing for our artillery, under circumstances of extreme personal danger.