Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

September 23rd, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

"Lt-Col Jefferson led his battalion into the town of LEONFORTE on the night 21/22 Jul 43, under heavy fire from enemy mortar and machine gun posts, tanks and snipers infesting the town. In the confused fighting that followed Lt-Col Jefferson personally led a detachment of his battalion in clearing the town with house to house fighting, destroying large numbers of enemy. The aggressive leadership of Lt-Col Jefferson resulted in the subsequent capture of the town and his example was an inspiration to his own men and the rest of the brigade."

Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 September, 1943.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Loyal Edmonton Regiment, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

March 18th, 1944

"The Loyal Edmonton Regiment had begun their attack on the vital and strongly held fortress of ORTONA (MR 3316) on 20 Dec 1943 and by 1800 hrs 23 Dec after fierce and costly street fighting "B" Company had succeeded in penetrating on the right to the "Esplanada' at 335172, while "A" Company had fought their way as far as the second square in the town at 332168.

Here the advance was temporarily halted. The enemy anxious to retain control of the exits from the town to the North West, put up a desperate and obstinate resistance and for 24 hours a grim and bloody struggle continued on the narrow front of "A" and "B" Companies.

Lt-Col. Jefferson, determined that this resistance should be broken and the advance continued went forward personally to direct the attack. Throughout the action he remained with the most advanced elements of his Battalion repeatedly making dangerous reconnaissances under heavy fire of all types, coordinating and directing the efforts of the two companies and by his presence encouraging and inspiring his men to maintain and increase the pressure of the attack.

In this complex and confused street fighting, Lt-Col. Jefferson displaued to a superiative degree the qualities essential in a commanding officer. His calmness and cool disregard of danger were an inspiration to his men. His unyielding determination, quick and accurate appreciation and skillful leadership broke this final enemy stand and ensured the capture of ORTONA."

Awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

July 12th, 1945

"Brigadier Jefferson has commanded 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade during the entire period since the brigade was first committed in NORMANDY in July 1944. At all times his sound decisions, keen foresight, mature judgment and concise orders have inspired in all ranks, confidence in the ultimate success of operations despite difficulties which many times seemed insurmountable. On 25 - 26 August 1944, Brigadier Jefferson directed the est of the first Canadian bridgehead over the R SEINE at CRIQUEBOEUF SUR SEINES employing his forces in a masterful manner with decisive effect.

Due to the vigour with which he pressed this attack the remainder of 2nd Canadian Corps were able to cross at CRIQUEBOEUF virtually unopposed. Again in late October and early November during the advance towards STEENBERGEN from the area NE of ANTWERP the brigade was operating against a most stubborn and unpredictable enemy. Every route was heavily mined and a series of probing advances by infantry and armour had made only limited progress. Brigadier Jefferson ordered a small force to reconnaissance a route leading through the right flank of the enemy position surrounding BERGEN OP ZOOM. This force achieved surprise and was able to enter BERGEN OP ZOOM through a completely unprepared enemy force, with relatively light casualties. Brigadier Jefferson's tireless energy and disregard for personal safety contributed greatly to the removal of the threat to the flank of the forces clearing WALCHEREN Island and to the rapidity with which the area NORTH to the R MAAS was cleared of the enemy.

Throughout every operation, in which 10 Canadian Infantry Brigade has participated, the skill and courage displayed by this officer has been outstanding. His cool ability to calculate a legitimate risk and his speed in seizing the most fleeting advantage have won him the admiration and confidence of all ranks in the division.

A firm believer that many battles are won during the period of their preparation, Brigadier Jefferson has ever been keen to make the most of any opportunity for trg, and during these periods his knowledge of the enemy and their tactics has been of great value to the units under his command. He has always dealt promptly with the personal problems of his troops and maintained a high standard of morale and discipline within the brigade.

Brigadier Jefferson has ever considered himself in his eagerness to outwits and defeat the enemy. It is beyond doubt that this brilliant commander has contributed in a high degree to the success of this formation's operations."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

1945

"Brigadier J.C. Jefferson, DSO, ED, commanded 10 Canadian Infantry Brigade on 25 July 1944 when the Brigade landed in NORMANDY and skillfully directed their operations throughout the campaign in FRANCE. HIs inspiring manner, mature and sound judgment greatly affected the course of the battles, SOUTH of CAEN, at the closing of the FALAISE gap, at the crossing of 10 Canadian Infantry Brigade reached the SOUTH bank of the SEINE R near GRIQUEBOEUF/SUR-SEINE and Brigadier Jefferson was ordered to establish a bridgehead at this point.

One Company of the Line & .... R crossed the river and took up a position on the NORTH bank. These were the first Canadian troops across the SEINE. Brigadier Jefferson immediately pressed this advantage and by the morning of 26 August, although greatly hampered by the shortage of boating and rafting equipment, he succeeded in establishing two infantry battalions on the NORTH bank.

During the afternoon, 26 August, heavy fighting developed and concentrated observed shell and mortar fire was directed by the enemy onto the crossing point.

During the night of 26-27 August, 2 Class 40 rafts were constructed and by first light 27 August support tanks commenced to cross the river to the NORTH. Very heavy fighting continued with the enemy stubbornly refusing to yield the high ground overlooking the river Brigadier Jefferson, using every means at his disposal, pressed the attack with the utmost vigour and succeeded in driving the enemy from their commanding position, thus eliminating the possibility of observed enemy fire on the crossing point. He then ordered his reserve infantry battalion to advance and employing the full support of the Division artillery succeeded in enlarging the bridgehead.

Brigadier Jefferson was many times under shell and mortar fire during this action, but his tireless energy and great determination made possible the establishment of this bridgehead which ensured a safe crossing point of the remainder of 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

Throughout the countless other engagements, Brigadier Jefferson's foresight, meticulous planning and brilliance in issuing orders enabled the units of 10 Canadian Infantry Brigade to enter battle assured of a successful conclusion.

His complete disregard for personal safety, despite the conditions under which he was required to exercise command, have been a magnificent example to all ranks and a major contribution to the success of 4th Canadian Armoured Division in the campaign in FRANCE."

With palm

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

April 4th, 1946

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)