Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 11 Platoon, B Company, 1st Battalion, The Carleton and York Regiment, 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

April 20th, 1944

Recommendation:
On 4 January 1944, "B" Company of the Carleton and York Regiment attacked a strongly held enemy position on Point 59 (Map Reference 311194) Two previous attacks had failed and the enemy were well dug in and supported by a large number of mortars and machine guns.
Lieutenant Smith commanded the platoon which was to occupy Point 59. The artillery barrage preceding the attack ceased at 1600 hours, which was zero hour for the attack. At zero hour, even as the last rounds were falling, Lieutenant Smith deployed his platoon and left the forming up place. His advance across the intervening ground was so rapid, that he was in close contact with the enemy before they had time to recover from the effects of the bombardment. Lieutenant Smith himself shot two Germans as they tried to man a machine gun and the position was so quickly overwhelmed that twenty-one prisoners were taken.
Lieutenant Smith's control of his platoon and speed in reaching his objective not only resulted in the taking of a number of strong enemy posts but also saved the platoon from heavy defensive mortar and artillery fire which came down on the area between the forming up place and Point 59 in a few minutes after our own artillery fire stopped. The successful occupation of Point 59 was almost entirely due to the fine leadership, dash and determination displayed by Lieutenant Smith.


Supplement to the London Gazette, 20 April, 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

C Company, 1st Battalion, The Carleton and York Regiment, 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

May 10th, 1945

Recommendation:
On 12 December 1944, the Carleton and York Regiment under command 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade was ordered to attack and secure a bridgehead over the Canale Naviglio (Map Reference 4039). Captain Donald Edward Smith, MC, of the Carleton and York Regiment was in command of "C" Company, which was left assault company of the Battalion for this operation.
During the crossing, the company came under heavy enemy machine gun fire from three well dug-in positions. Halting briefly while preparing to deal with these posts, they were subjected to severe mortaring and shelling. It therefore became imperative to dispose of the machine gun positions immediately. Appreciating this situation, Captain Smith rapidly lined his company up and himself led them in an assault over the fire swept ground that wiped out the three posts and carried his men to their objective. Fifteen prisoners were taken in this action and an unknown number killed.
At dawn 13 December 1944, fierce and repeated enemy counter-attacks with infantry supported by tiger tanks developed on the "C" Company positions. The enemy fire from artillery of all calibres and from mortars, tank guns and machine guns was intense. Captain Smith, however, had no concern but to see that the defence remained co-ordinated, and constantly exposed himself to visit all platoon positions. At one stage, when the tanks were pressing particularly heavily, he personally organized a 6-pounder anti-tank gun crew and supervised the firing. This gun, under his direction succeeded in knocking out one Tiger tank at Map Reference 403397.
During that day the enemy launched thirteen counter-attacks, throughout which "C" Company was subjected to a tremendous weight of enemy shell and mortar fire, as well as machine gun fire from the tanks and determined attempts by enemy infantry to break into the position. By his gallant and skilful leadership and his coolness and initiative under fire, particularly in the knocking out of the tank, Captain Smith inspired his men to hold firm. "C" Company did not yield an inch of ground. As a result, the bridgehead was maintained intact, and another Brigade was able to pass through that evening.

This award was obtained in the form of an Bar to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 10 May, 1945.