Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No.7 Platoon, "A" Company, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1944

Recommendation:
On 16 May 1944, at Map Reference 802132, Lieutenant Geoffrey Kenneth Wright led No. 7 Platoon, "A" Company [of the Royal Canadian Regiment], in an attack on One of the strongest enemy positions in the Gustav Line. With great skill and outstanding bravery, this officer led his platoon forward under very heavy fire of the enemy. At one point, he himself attacked a cave full of Germans while armed only with a pistol. Entering the cave in the face of pointblank fire, he shot several Germans and forced the remainder to surrender.
Again under heavy fire, he moved his men against a ridge strongly held by the Germans. The enemy were driven back and in spite of their counter-attack, Lieutenant Wright and his men held the feature until ordered by the Company Commander to advance to another position.
Throughout the series of attacks which led to the breaking of the Adolf Hitler Line, this officer has displayed leadership, courage and resourcefulness which have been an inspiration to all ranks of his unit and his efforts have had a direct bearing on the success achieved by his regiment.


Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 November, 1944.