Spr Gene Velux, 6th Fd Coy, Military Medal

Sapper Velux, a member of 2 Platoon of, 6 Canadian Field Company has served in a most distinguished fashion throughout the campaign in Northwest Europe from, 6 June 1944 until its close on 8 May 1945. His cool, steady conduct under fire has been a continual source of comfort to the other men of his section, while his consistently willing and cheerful attitude under the most trying circumstances and his conscientious attention to duty have marked him as one of the outstanding men of his company. On one occasion, on 27 September 1944, this Sapper's platoon was in support of 7 Canadian Infantry Brigade, and responsible for clearing the brigade forward route to the forming up area for the attack on Calais. In the centre of the village stood five large road blocks, each off them mined with a large calibre German shell activated by a new type of pressure igniter, never before seen by any of the party. Detonation of these shells would have involved a lengthy delay while the road was repaired, and would at the same time have advertised to the enemy the exact progress of work on the road. Realizing the position and knowing full well the danger to himself, Sapper Velux volunteered to neutralize the shells alone. Despite the delicate and difficult nature of the task he completed it successfully and a short time afterward the road was open to the supporting arms of the brigade group. This exhibition of calm, deliberate courage is typical of this Sapper's behaviour in every action in which his platoon took part.