Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sapper

Unit:

1 Canadian Mechanical Equipment Company

Awarded on:

July 21st, 1945

Citation:
"On the 2nd March 1945, 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade were clearing the north end of the Hochwald Forest. No.2 Platoon of 2 Canadian Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers had the task of repairing three large craters at the edge of the forest on the brigade main axis of advance. B.130223 Sapper George Asa Blackburn, 1 Canadian Mechanical Equipment Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, was attached as bulldozer operator to assist with this work. The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Canadian Infantry Corps, were in an attack along the road about 200 yards northwest of the craters. There was no alternative route to the battalion position and this road was vital to maintain their position.
Sapper Blackburn commenced work filling the craters, and at about 1500 hours, the area of the craters was subjected to heavy and accurate mortar fire. The mortars continued for three and one-half hours and was so intense that all personnel in the area were forced to take shelter for the entire time. Sapper Blackburn kept his bulldozer operating from 1500 hours to 1700 hours through a steady rain of mortar bombs, many of them landing only a few feet from his machine.
The courage displayed by Sapper Blackburn and complete disregard to his personal safety resulted in this important route being opened to permit this and subsequent attacks to be mounted and maintained. His actions are deserving of the highest praise and will serve as constant inspiration and a tribute to his Corps and the Canadian Army.