Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion www.ns.legion.ca 89 continued ... Member of the Order of the British Empire Major Ivan Murray McLaughlin of Amherst. 1 Commonwealth Division Headquarters (Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) . Awarded 6 June 1953 “Major McLaughlin served in Korea as Officer commanding 191 Canadian Infantry workshop from April until December 1952, when he was appointed second-in-command to commander, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1 Commonwealth Division. In each of these appointments he has shown technical and organizing ability of a high order and has contributed in large measure to the efficiency of electrical and mechanical engineer services in the division. His duties as second-incommand encompass not only the general supervision of his own service for the Canadian Brigade but in addition a far larger volume of work concerned with the operation of this service for other commonwealth countries represented in the division. In this capacity he quickly mastered the intricacies of unfamiliar methods and equipment problems, to such a degree that in a very short time his assistance and advice were sought by all members of the various electrical and mechanical engineer contingents in the division. Early in his tour, shortage of important materials and major assemblies for the repair of vehicles necessitated a change in the system of supply. The organizing of this control system fell to Major McLaughlin, and due to his energy and excellent organizing ability, a smooth working system was evolved in a very short time and thereby the service to the division was improved considerably. The cold weather posed many unfamiliar technical problems that it was his duty to investigate and to seek a solution. These, he willingly tackled with efficiency, in addition to his numerous other commitments, and he was always on call with assistance and advice at any hour. The unusual circumstances of this theatre, and in this division, threw a far greater load on him than is normal but he was equal to any task. The smooth running of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Services in the division, during a period when these services were severely overloaded, was to a large extent due to the sterling work done by this officer and his outstanding efforts are highly deserving of permanent recognition.” Military Cross Lieutenant Andrew Martin King of Halifax. First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment - Awarded 28 March 1953. “During the period 5 September to 5 October 1952, ‘A’ Company, 1st Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment, occupied a most hazardous position which was subjected to continuous enemy artillery and mortar fire. On 29 September Lieutenant King, in spite of the enemy sniper fire, proceeded to an outpost known as ‘Vancouver’ and personally assisted in evacuating a wounded soldier. At the time no stretcher bearer was available and the prompt and courageous action of this officer contributed to saving the wounded soldier's life. On 1 October ‘Vancouver’ outpost was subjected to a most vicious concentration of enemy artillery fire. A wounded soldier returned to the main company position but due to his condition the company commander could not get a coherent report of the situation. Lieutenant King led a relief party through the continuous shelling to the outpost where he assessed the situation and sent a report back. The non-commissioned officer in charge of the outpost and four others had been buried in the command post, two others were killed and the remainder wounded or in a shell-shocked condition. He reorganized the post in the remnants of the badly shattered defences, and then proceeded to attempt to uncover those buried in the command post. He worked unceasingly with complete disregard for the enemy artillery and mortar fire. As the position appeared untenable he was ordered to withdraw. However, this gallant officer personally requested permission to remain. Permission was granted and this young officer by his determination and courageous attitude instilled confidence in his men. During the recovery of the dead and wounded, work had to be stopped due to an enemy probe which was dispersed with mortar fire directed by Lieutenant King. Not until the last man had been recovered and a fresh patrol established did this officer return to the main company position. This officer's utter disregard for his personal safety and instant and efficient action made it possible to evacuate the dead and wounded of ‘Vancouver’ outpost and the recovery of all fighting equipment. His sound appreciation of the situation and action prevented the enemy from gaining any knowledge of the damage inflicted on our own troops. Lieutenant King's courage and unselfishness has made a lasting impression on all ranks of his battalion.” continued ...
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