Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Sergeant

Unit:

D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Canada, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1945

Recommendation:
On 11 October 1944, Sergeant Foster was platoon sergeant in a platoon of the Royal Regiment of Canada, which was given the difficult task of seizing a vital enemy position astride a dyke in South Beveland in southern Holland.
On approaching the objective, the Platoon Commander found that the platoon was coming under extremely heavy small arms fire from the objective. Between the platoon and the objective lay a water gap some twenty feet in width. Displaying remarkable courage and ingenuity, Sergeant Foster at his Platoon Commander’s direction, quickly organized one section to lay wagon tongues, doors, and other material which he found in the vicinity, across the gap while a second section provided covering fire for the operation.
Enemy fire was intense throughout this tedious operation, but Sergeant Foster continued undaunted. On the completion of the improvised bridge, the Platoon Commander was able to lead two sections across, and despite point blank fire from the enemy position, successfully assaulted and destroyed it.
Sergeant Foster’s determination, coolness and initiative, were an inspiration to his men, and were essential to the success of the operation.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 March, 1945.