Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

"B" Company, 1st Battalion The North Shore Regiment, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, British Army

Recommendation:
On 8 February 1945, Private Russell Georald Munroe, "B" Company Commander's Runner landed on Zanpol dyke, Map Reference 800626, with the Company Commander whose Buffalo had, due to navigational difficulties landed before the assault platoons. He at once fought his way to a commanding position on top of the dyke where he kept the enemy at bay, thus allowing Company Headquarters to get established. There under heavy machine gun fire he made contact with "A" Company and as a result a continuous and coordinated front was established between the two assault companies. Subsequently "B" Company advanced along the dyke and the leading platoon with Company Headquarters following was held up by a minefield and machine gun fire. Casualties were suffered in the minefield and the remainder of the platoon pinned down on the dyke by machine gun fire. Private Munroe repeatedly entered the minefield and rescued wounded and stunned men, then on his own initiative taking a PIAT occupied an exposed position on top of the dyke and while himself under heavy fire blasted the machine gun position into submission, thus allowing his company to proceed to its final objective. The courage, determination and endurance shown by this private soldier was definitely a battle winning factor in the success of the battalion plan. His gallantry, initiative and disregard for his own personal safety far exceeded his duty, rank and orders.