Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

September 23rd, 1943

During the assault of 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade on Leonforte, 21/22 July 1943, it was essential that an enemy demolition be bridged in order that supporting arms for the brigade could be moved forward. The bridging site at the time was under heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire. The operation was done in the dark by 3rd Canadian Field Company, but owing to the vital importance of this bridge, Lieutenant-Colonel Walsh as Commander Royal Engineers personally supervised the effort. Some 40 Germans and three German tanks were within 50 yards of the bridging site rendering it almost impossible for infantry to secure covering positions. Lieutenant-Colonel Walsh ignored the incessant small arms fire which ricocheted off the bridge members, rushed through the construction, and as a result the bridge was open for traffic at 0210 hours, well in advance of schedule, enabling the necessary supporting arms to cross and conclude the successful drive on Leonforte.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 September, 1943.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, II Canadian Corps, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1947

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, II Canadian Corps, Canadian Army