Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

"D" Company, 1st Battalion The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

October 2nd, 1942

Awarded for:

Operation Jubilee

Citation:
"The successful operation carried out by "D'Coy. Cam of C., during the raid on Dieppe area, 19 Aug 42, was greatly aided by the gallant conduct of this N.C.O. His conduct throughout the morning was of the highest order. On the beach during the withdrawal he organized defensive fire, and with Cpl Brygider was responsible for the successful evacuation of the wounded.
Repeatedly, with complete disregard for their own safety, the two N.C.O's returned through the wire defences to exposed positions under heavy fire and carried back wounded men. With great coolness and gallantry, Cpl Keller led, carried and dragged the casualties to the L.C.A's. His conduct was a source of inspiration to all ranks."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No.12 Platoon, "B" Company, The Calgary Highlanders, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

January 13th, 1945

Recommendation:
On 7 October 1944 the Calgary Highlanders launched an attack to secure the village of Hoogerheide and the two crossroads north of it. They crossed the start line a crossroads on the northern outskirts of Hondseind at 0730 hours and advanced north through densely wooded country.
Number 12 Platoon of B Company commanded by Lieutenant Keller was detailed as leading platoon. Several pockets of resistance were encountered but by his aggressive leadership, good judgement and perfect control of his platoon Lieutenant Keller quickly overcame them. During these short but difficult encounters the platoon sent back some 29 prisoners.
As they emerged in deployed formation from the north edge of the wood at a point a few hundred meters south of the village of Hoogerheide they were met by intense machine gun and rifle fire from a slight rise immediately ahead. This rise is shrub covered and completely dominates a flat field, completely bare and offering no cover from fire or view, between it and the position where Lieutenant Keller’s platoon had gone to ground. There were no covered approaches.
Lieutenant Keller estimated there were at least six machine guns firing from the high ground. He called for tank support and made a quick liaison trip to the tank troop commander, pinpointed the enemy positions and arranged a fire plan which involved the tanks providing supporting fire from his right flank while he made his attack.
The tanks deployed and opened fire. Lieutenant Keller having given brief concise orders to his platoon, with a terse “follow me” immediately proceeded at a fast walk straight across the open ground. His platoon after a short startled pause, followed his daring example and quickly closed the gap between themselves and their commander. Though fully aware of the probable strength of the enemy and the great risk he was taking he led his platoon right into the enemy positions. As he reached the brush and ditch which concealed the enemy the tanks lifted their fire and the leading elements found themselves so completely on top of the position that they were able to reach down and remove the weapons of the surprised enemy before he could fire. Sixteen prisoners were taken with eight machine guns (MG42) and an assortment of machine carbines and rifles.
His platoon was so inspired by Lieutenant Keller’s dauntless and magnificent leadership that nothing could have restrained these men who had been forced by his example walk into such a nest of machine guns and who had survived unscathed. The area was cleared and the company pushed on still led by 12 platoon and forty minutes later was on its objective.
Throughout the day this platoon was engaged in close fighting on five separate occasions, yet it had only three casualties. Its success and minimum casualties as well as the momentum of the company’s operation were due to the outstanding bravery and leadership of Lieutenant Keller.