Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

18th Field Company, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
Sergeant Romain landed on the beach west of Courseulles-sur-Mer at H-Hour on 6 June 1944. On learning that his platoon commander had not arrived he immediately assumed control over the beach obstacle clearing parties, including two sections of anther field company. Owing to the state of tide the Beach Master would not permit any immediate work. Sergeant Romain, having made a beach reconnaissance, reorganized his men and arranged for immediate work on receiving the clearance from the Beach Master. In the meantime he organized rescue parties for wounded infantry on the beaches. Under fire and without any means of intercommunication he organized all details for the work. As a result, his men cleared one 200-yard gap and one 500-yard gap on the beach within an hour of commencing work. Sergeant Romain personally supervised work over one-half mile of beach clearance, the result of which enabled landing craft to enter safely to disembark troops and equipment. Throughout the entire period he was on the beaches under enemy fire and in considerable personal danger from exploding mines and craft, this Non-Commissioned Officer displayed great initiative, coolness, disregard for personal safety and good powers of leadership.