Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gunner

Unit:

RCA (4 Canadian Medium Regiment)

Awarded on:

July 7th, 1945

Citation:
"From 19 to 21 February 1945, Gunner Femia, S.V. was forward in a tank as a Medium Forward Observation Officer's operator during an attack by infantry supported by tanks. He was operator for Captain R. Poulin with a squadron of 2 Canadian Tank Brigade in support of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry attacking to the road Goch-Calcar.
At the objective, Gunner Femia jumped out of the tank with the Artillery Observation Officer to deploy their Observation Post. Under heavy shelling he crawled back and forth from the tank, passing targets calling for urgent fire to break up enemy resistance and to foil their attempt to counter-attack. This he did for two hours, not caring for his own safety.
On the night of 19/20 February 1945, the enemy put several strong counter-attacks supported by tanks. On two occasions reports were received of enemy infiltration. Gunner Femia, S.V. then showed great courage for three hours, acting either as wireless operator or helping the infantry to overcome infiltration. He never failed in keeping good communications, and the fire brought down by the medium artillery was a great factor in breaking all enemy counter-attacks. Many tanks were destroyed by this fire.
Gunner Femia's courage and devotion to duty were the main factor in providing the fire support given by the artillery on those occasions. He set an example which deserved the admiration and praise of his superiors and fellow soldiers."