Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Bren Carrier Platoon, Support Company, The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1945

Recommendation:
Sergeant Boulay, Support Company, North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment went to France with the Carrier Platoon as a Private on 13 June 1944. Since that time he has continually taken a major part in all battles in which the carriers have been involved. His deeds and valour and exploits have become a tradition of the unit. On many occasions he has accomplished dangerous and special tasks with great personal risk but through his skilful and courageous actions he was able to accomplish the tasks and bring his section back safely. At 'Le Tresories' in France, Sergeant Boulay was the sole survivor of his section in one phase of the attack. He immediately reported back and asked for another task. His eagerness and coolness so impressed his Platoon Commander that he was given command of a section which had been detailed for a special task. Sergeant Boulay led his section with such tactical skill and daring that the machine gun nest was cleared out without a casualty to any of his men. At Wyler, Germany on 8 January 1945, Sergeant Boulay led the assault, made by 'D' Company, with a section of flame throwers. They came under heavy shell fire, and ran into a mine field. Sergeant Boulay's carrier was the only one that was not destroyed yet he continued to his objective, burned out the enemy position which was holding up the Company attack and then on his own initiative picked up all the casualties. This required several trips under heavy enemy shelling. His gallant action enable all the wounded to be given immediate medical treatment. During the attack on Kepplin, Germany, on 26 February 1945, it was Sergeant Boulay's dauntless leadership that destroyed an enemy outpost which included two enemy self-propelled guns, one half track, several machine guns and thirty enemy. This enable the two companies which were pinned to continue their attack on the town. This Non-Commissioned Officer led the attack against direct and constant enemy fire. His carrier was the only one to return. Sergeant Boulay immediately had his flame thrower refuelled, then reported back and asked for another task. Finally, on 24 April 1945, this Non-Commissioned Officer displayed outstanding skill and courage in enabling personnel of two carriers and one platoon of 'A' Company, which had been cut off by the blowing of a crater, to reorganize, while he provided covering fire. Sergeant Boulay by his enthusiasm, his cheerful personality and continuous determination, has been an inspiration to his whole Platoon. His example and leadership has been responsible for the high morale of the Carrier Platoon, in spite of the severe losses which it has sustained. Many successes of the Battalion can be directly attributed to the outstanding courage of this Non-Commissioned Officer who without thought of his own personal safety, volunteered for many operational tasks beyond the call of duty.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 11 October, 1945.