Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1945

"On 30 April 1945, Captain Pyper was the Forward Observation Officer with “C” Company of the Irish Regiment of Canada who had consolidated southeast of Heveskes, Holland. For approximately four hours during the afternoon the area was subjected to very heavy enemy fire from nine 40-millimetre flak guns. Despite the shelling, Captain Pyper continued to direct his artillery fire on to enemy targets until his observation tank, which had received four direct hits, burst into flames. Captain Pyper managed to escape from the burning tank and crawled into an adjacent barn and established a new observation post. From this position he carried on with supporting artillery fire. The barn received several hits during the remainder of the afternoon but Captain Pyper, with complete disregard for the intense fire, skilfully directed artillery fire on to the enemy guns and succeeded in knocking them out of action.

On 1 May 1945 Captain Pyper was with “C” Company in the town of Heveskes when his observation post was hit and his operator killed and the two remaining members of the party were wounded. Unable to get replacements immediately, Captain Pyper carried on alone. He remained at his post for six hours under heavy fire, operating the wireless set, directing artillery fire on targets and maintaining liaisons with the forward company, a task normally carried out by four men. Captain Pyper's courageous devotion to duty and initiative were an outstanding example to all ranks of “C” Company. By his gallant conduct and provision of effective artillery support, Captain Pyper inspired the company to carry out its task."