Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion www.ns.legion.ca 91 continued ... Military Cross Lieutenant George Edward Moodie Ruffee of Wolfville. 81st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. Awarded 3 October 1953. “Lieutenant Ruffee has served as Forward Observation Officer with 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment, since arrival of the regiment in Korea. During the attack against ‘C’ Company, 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment, on the night of 2/3 May 1953, which commenced at midnight and lasted for approximately seven hours, Lieutenant Ruffee manned his observation post in spite of the most intense shell and mortar fire. Numerous hits were scored on his observation post, including one which burst directly in front of the aperture through which he was observing. Despite the severity of the enemy shelling and mortaring, during which two of his three driver operators were killed and portions of his communications severely damaged, this officer continued to direct artillery fire on the enemy from the moment the attack commenced until they were driven off. By his courage and devotion to duty he contributed in an outstanding manner to the successful defence of the locality. Ever since the arrival of 81 Canadian Field Regiment in the Korean theatre, Lieutenant Ruffee has devoted his energies in a most marked degree toward the improvement of artillery fire in support of the infantry battalion with which he is affiliated. In spite of long hours of duty with its resultant fatigue, he is invariably cheerful, keen and willing. He enjoys the confidence of the infantry he supports and of the men under his command. His conduct in battle has been a credit to his corps and he has set a fine example, particularly when under heavy shellfire.” continued ... Military Cross Major George Gray Taylor, ED, of Weymouth. First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. Awarded 28 March 1953. “During the month of September and the first week of October 1952, ‘A’ Company commanded by Captain (Acting Major) Taylor was the forward company of 1st Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment, in the Kowang San area. The enemy continually harassed the company position by bombardment and patrol action. On the 1/2 October ‘A’ Company was subjected to a most vicious concentration of artillery and mortar fire. The concentration was the heaviest the battalion had undergone since its arrival in Korea. Two of the platoon sergeants and a number of junior noncommissioned officers were killed. The calmness and efficiency displayed by this officer contributed greatly to inspiring his men to maintain the company position. On 23 October ‘A’ Company was adjacent to ‘B’ Company. At 1800 hours the enemy attacked ‘B’ Company preceded by a most intense concentration of artillery and mortar fire which was designed to neutralize ‘A’ Company. Major Taylor in a calm, cool, efficient manner controlled his company throughout the attack. As the survivors of ‘B’ Company reached his company position they were organized into an effective fighting group and taken under command. As a result, the enemy was unable to enter the ‘A’ Company position to exploit their initial success. Throughout the entire period and in spite of the many casualties, Major Taylor exercised a firm control over his men. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he assisted in the evacuation of many casualties. He was without the services of a company second-in-command and worked unceasingly, going for long periods without rest. However, his courage and cheerfulness under fire had a steadying influence on all ranks of the company. This officer by personal example and firm control over his men maintained his company in a determined fighting spirit in the face of very demoralizing circumstances.”
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