Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No.18 Platoon, "D" Company, The Calgary Highlanders, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

February 10th, 1945

Recommendation:
"In the early morning of 1 November 1944 the leading company of the Calgary Highlanders suffered heavy casualties after being subjected to enemy fire of all types as they were proceeding across the causeway to Walcheren Island. “D” Company was ordered to proceed through and the leading platoon no. 18 was commanded by Sergeant LaLoge. The platoon fought its way to within 25 yards of the enemy end of the causeway when they were pinned down by severe enemy machine gun and 20 millimeter cannon fire which swept the open causeway.
When his runner had failed to reach company headquarters Sergeant LaLoge made his way back through the intense fire. After arranging for artillery support he returned to his platoon. With the aid of artillery fire the platoon succeeded in reaching its objective after heavy fighting.
The right flank of the platoon position was very close to the enemy’s position and three times Sergeant LaLoge picked up enemy grenades which fell near his men and threw them into the water. When one of his bren gunners was killed and the gun slightly damaged Sergeant LaLoge repaired and manned the gun until one of his men was able to relieve him.
A counter attack was developing and he called for fire from the PIAT only to find that the PIAT man was wounded and unable to operate the weapon. Sergeant LaLoge immediately took over the weapon and successfully broke up the counter attack by accurate fire.
The successful accomplishment of his company’s task in which over sixty prisoners were captured, one 20 millimeter cannon and two medium machine guns were knocked out, and many enemy killed and wounded, was directly due to this NCOs magnificent courage and leadership. His complete disregard for his own personal safety and his cool and efficient manner in handling his platoon under continuous heavy fire inspired his men to face and overcome the heavy odds against them."

Supplement to the London Gazette, 5 April, 1945.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No.18 Platoon, "D" Company, The Calgary Highlanders, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

May 12th, 1945

Recommendation:
"On 8 February 1945, the Calgary Highlanders were ordered to capture the town of Wyler, Germany, in order to open a vital communication and maintenance route to permit the advance of 30th British Corps. “D” Company’s task was to cut the main Wyler-Kranenburg road, then to clear the north edge of the town Wyler.
Opposite the village of Vossendahl the commander of the leading platoon was wounded and the platoon was temporarily disorganized. Realizing the advantage of following close behind the artillery barrage and the vital necessity of cutting the road, Sergeant LaLoge, who was commanding the second platoon, passed his platoon through the other, and advanced through a mine field under enemy mortar fire, finally reaching the road.
The platoon immediately started house clearing on both sides of the road. They came under fire from a well sited enemy machine gun which inflicted casualties and forced them to take cover. Appreciating that this machine gun post could not be outflanked, Sergeant LaLoge ordered covering fire and himself charged the position and, firing from the hip, silenced the machine gun, killing the crew of four.
After advancing a few hundred yards further, they again were halted by machine gun fire. After several attempts to silence the post by fire had failed, Sergeant LaLoge, at great personal risk, directed the infiltration of is platoon into the enemy position, silencing the post, killing the machine gun crew and capturing four prisoners. To accomplish this he had to expose himself many times and in fact his clothing was pierced by enemy bullets.
The initiative, leadership and cool, good judgment of this NCO resulted in his company successfully attaining its object. Due to his actions many enemy were killed or wounded and one officer and thirty-nine other ranks taken prisoner."

Supplement to The London Gazette, 31st May 1945.