Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

"B" Company, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Recommendation:
When “B” Company of the Queen’s Own Rifles assaulted at Bernières-sur-Mer at approximately 0800 hours on 6 June 1944 the Coy met with very severe machine-gun fire from a pill box 100 yards to its front and within the first few minutes there were sixty-five casualties. Rifleman Chicoski along with Lieutenant Herbert and Lance Corporal Tessier, ran forward and assaulted the pill box with grenades and Sten machine carbine. As a result of this act, the pill box was put out of action and the remainder of the coy was able to proceed with their all-important task of eliminating the beach defences. Due to this act of gallantry and complete disregard for personal safety, the task was successfully and the coy which followed in the landing on the beach suffered no casualties from the beach defences. The action to duty of Rifleman Chicoski who so loyally followed the lead of his commander undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades.


Supplement to the London Gazette, 31 August, 1944.