Major Aitkens has continually displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty in both the Italian and Northwest European theatres of operations. His strong aggressiveness in forward reconnaissance and early deployment of troops under his command have been a source of inspiration and example to those he commanded. On 17 April 1945, during the advance to Barneveld, Major Aitkens was carrying out a reconnaissance for alternative routes. To accomplish his task it was necessary for him to travel through territory not yet cleared of the enemy. Despite heavy artillery and machine gun fire, this officer continued his reconnaissance until he was captured at 1500 hours. After thirteen hours in enemy hands he managed to effect an escape and returned to his unit with valuable information of the enemy dispositions. Throughout his return journey he travelled approximately twenty miles of enemy territory in his bare feet. During the operations leading up to the capture of the port of Delfzijl this gallant officer displayed great courage and initiative in securing vital information for the successful carrying out of the engineering plans. The bold and inspired leadership displayed by this officer in close contact with, and under fire from, the enemy has resulted in the successful completion of all engineering tasks allotted to his squadron. The rapid advance of the division was materially assisted by this officer's initiative and aggressive tactics in overcoming the many obstructions encountered.