Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gunner

Unit:

17th Canadian Field Regiment RCA, 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1945

"On the 30 April 1945, during the attack of the Irish Regiment of Canada on Heveskes in Holland, Gunner Fehr was a wireless operator in an artillery observation post tank when the area was subjected to heavy fire from enemy guns only 800 yards distant. It was imperative that these guns must be silenced because they threatened to engage “C” Company of the Irish Regiment of Canada which had advanced to the area of Heveskes and was about to attack the town.

Shell splinters were continually hitting the tank and the first round shot away the aerial rod. Disregarding the heavy artillery and small arms fire and in full view of the enemy, Gunner Fehr climbed on top of the tank and replaced the aerial. In order to get better observation the Troop Commander was obliged to leave his tank. Shortly after leaving the tank his remote control cable was badly cut. Despite the fact that the tank had already received three direct hits and shell splinters continued to hit the tank, Gunner Fehr fearlessly stood up in the hatch in order to receive fire orders from his Troop Commander and gallantly continued to man his set until the enemy guns were successfully neutralized. Gunner Fehr's courageous devotion to duty under heavy fire ensured that continuous and accurate supporting fire was provided and his gallant efforts contributed to the subsequent attainment of the company objective."