Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

22nd Canadian Field Ambulance, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On the morning of 6 June 1944 during the assault on the beach at Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Corporal MacDonald was engaged with his section in collecting and treating casualties. Mortar and machine gun fire was heavy and continuous. Several casualties were seen to occur at the east end of the beach wall. On his own initiative and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Corporal MacDonald collected three stretcher bearers and crawled thirty yards to render First Aid to those casualties. While so engaged, a mortar shell exploded a few feet from them killing two of the bearers, wounded a third and severely wounding Corporal MacDonald about the face. Still conscious but blinded, he retained presence of mind and attempted to crawl to the shelter of the sea wall. He was removed and treated by other members of the section. Throughout the entire action until becoming a casualty, Corporal MacDonald showed complete fearlessness and great initiative and leadership. His conduct was in every way and inspiration to the men in his section.