Campion, George Alexander

Date of birth:: January 23rd, 1911 (Tofield/Alberta, Canada)
Date of death:: May 23rd, 1944 (near Pontecorvo/Province of Frosinone, region Lazio, Italy)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Cemetery Cassino
Plot: IX. Row: G. Grave: 13.
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

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Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Corporal
Unit:: A Company, 1st Battalion, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
"On 22 December 1943, “A” Coy of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment were attacking down the main street of Ortona (MR 3316), Italy supported by a troop of tanks when a mine field was spotted about 30 yards in front of the leading tank.All the infantry were pinned inside buildings by heavy machine gun fire from four guns. Engineers were called forward to clear the field but owing to this fire, it was impossible for them to get near the mines.
Sgt. Campion asked permission of his Coy Commander to lay a smoke green. Permission was granted he gathered a pocket full of smoke grenades, then from his platoon, ran 30 yards beyond the mine field into the open street and threw his grenades. A perfect smoke screen resulted. He then ran back to his platoon to collect more grenades. In the meantime the Engineers, who had not been able to complete their task before the smoke cleared, were driven back by machine gun fire.
Returning Sgt Campion laid another smoke screen which enabled them to clear the mines and thus allowed the advance to go on.
The distance covered each time under heavy machine gun fire in the open street was approx. 30 yards.
Because of his determination and absolute lack of personal fear on these two occasions, he contributed materially to the success of the operation."