Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Sergeant

Unit:

No. 9 Platoon, "A" Company, 1st Battalion The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Recommendation:
"A" Company (Queen's Own Rifles of Canada) was an assault company during the landing at Bernières-sur-Mer on 6 June 1944. No. 9 Platoon was detailed to knock out a supposed machine gun post on the right of the company landing. Shortly after the platoon was committed to this action, Sergeant Smith's Platoon Commander became a casualty and was knocked out of the fight and the platoon itself suffered severe casualties, being pinned down by heavy mortar and machine gun fire. Sergeant Smith, although himself wounded, showed great leadership and ability by laying down return fire and rendering what turned out to be a strongly held position ineffective against the landing of other troops on the beaches. He organized his platoon until its fire neutralized effectively the fire of the enemy position. Had he not done so, it would have been impossible to land the next company on the beach at this point. When his platoon was finally relieved he led it back to the company rendezvous and stayed in action until ordered to report for medical treatment by his company commander. His actions throughout were an inspiration to all ranks.