Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion www.ns.legion.ca 93 continued ... MILITARY MEDAL Corporal Joseph Cecil McNeil of Reserve Mines. Third Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. Awarded 4 July 1953. “On the night of 2/3 May 1953, a fighting patrol from ‘A’ Company, 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment, made contact with superior enemy forces in the valley to the right front of the position held by ‘C’ Company. The patrol was heavily engaged by the enemy and the patrol leader became a casualty. Corporal McNeil who was second-in-command of the patrol immediately took over command and in spite of being surrounded and under heavy enemy fire, reorganized his patrol and commenced a withdrawal. At the same time, he maintained communications with his control station giving a description of the battle and calling for supporting fire. In a cool and competent manner, he directed the withdrawal of the patrol, beating off successive attacks and collecting his wounded as he retired. When a second patrol which had been sent to his assistance was also attacked and the patrol leader killed, he picked up some of the survivors of this patrol and made good his retreat to No.7 Platoon position of ‘C’ Company, bringing with him four uninjured and seven injured men. In the course of the withdrawal, he was personally attacked by an enemy soldier whom he despatched with his Patchett gun. When he had expended all the ammunition provided for his own weapon, he continued to fight with those of the wounded who accompanied him. Subsequent to Corporal McNeil's return, ‘C’ Company sustained a heavy enemy attack on its position. There is no doubt that this non-commissioned officer’s gallantry and coolness under fire and his capable handling of the patrol not only seriously disrupted the enemy attack by giving early warning but also created severe casualties among the enemy and saved a number of his own troops from death or capture.” BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL Sergeant James Willard Parker of Wolfville. Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps 25 Canadian Field Ambulance. Awarded 12 April 1952. “On 11 October 1951, Sergeant Parker was detailed by his commanding officer to investigate a mine detonation which occurred in a mine field approximately one mile north of village of Songhyon, Korea, in the immediate vicinity of the advance dressing station of 25 Canadian Field Ambulance. Sergeant Parker, accompanied by two stretcher bearers, proceeded to the mine field. On nearing the field, a British soldier stopped them and stated that there were two casualties inside the mine field. Sergeant Parker and his two stretcher bearers followed the safe lane into the mine field where they found one casualty lying across the path. The two stretcher bearers immediately carried the wounded man away. Sergeant Parker located the other casualty some 30 feet away in the mined area. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he walked across the mined area, picked up the wounded soldier and carried him to the safe lane from where a stretcher bearer party took over.” Bronze Star - USA Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Alfred Charles Amy DSO, OBE, MC, of Kentville. Awarded 11 July 1954. “Lieutenant-Colonel Amy, Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, distinguished himself by meritorious service in Korea from 6 August 1952 to 31 July 1953. He performed outstanding service as General Staff Officer, 1 Commonwealth Division, displaying sound military judgement and prompt energetic action in supervising and coordinating staff matters connected with the division’s operations. His outstanding enthusiasm, drive and energy were an inspiration to his associates. His frequent visits to front line positions, often under heavy enemy fire, assisted immeasurably in the overall mission of the division. He established cordial relations with the staffs of other commands assisting in obtaining the utmost and close cooperation. The exemplary manner in which Lieutenant-Colonel Amy performed his duties provided a distinct contribution to the accomplishments of 1 Commonwealth Division in Korea and reflects credit upon himself and the military profession.” continued ...
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