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Pachino Day Commemoration
and arrival of the
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
awarded to
Private Joseph Grigas
for actions at Pachino 10 July 1943
10 July 2006
Wolseley Barracks, London, Ontario
Photos - http://thercr.ca/gallery/gallery_grigas_100706.htm
The Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, serving in any of the sovereign's military forces, for distinguished conduct in the field. The DCM was created on 4 December 1854, because of the Crimea War, and was first awarded to a Canadian on 19 April 1901. There were 2,132 awards to Canadian Army and RCAF personnel, plus 38 first bars and 1 second bar. - Source: Veterans Affairs Canada.
Citation for DCM; Pte Joseph Grigas:
On 10 July 1943 in vicinity of Pachino airfield, "A" Company, The Royal Canadian Regiment of which Private Grigas was a member, was operating against enemy coastal defences. At 1000 hours, the company commenced an assault on a coast defence battery immediately north of Pachino airfield. Private Grigas's Second-in-Command became a casualty. Private Grigas took command of the section and, advancing under heavy fire managed to reach the perimeter wire. The remainder of the company was by this time pinned to the ground. Private Grigas breached a gap in the wire and led his section through to assault three enemy concrete posts which were knocked out in quick succession. Although Private Grigas's section was the only section of the company to enter the battery position, the attack was led with such determination that it caused the immediate surrender of the garrison of approximately two hundred men and in the capture of four 9.2 howitzers and large quantities of ammunition, small arms, and stores. The personal gallantry, determination and leadership of Private Grigas was largely responsible for the success of this operation.
Five soldiers of The RCR were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the Second World War:
§ Lance Corporal William Leslie FAIRFIELD
§ Corporal Colin Grant FORREST
§ Private Joseph GRIGAS
§ Acting Corporal Norman John McMAHON
§ Private Howard Glenwood OTIS
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