This Non-Commissioned Officer has been in action with 3 Platoon 3 Canadian Field Park Company, Royal Canadian Engineers since December 1943. On one occasion during the crossing of the Savio River in Italy his section was given the task of organizing and operating an assault boat ferry service across the river. At that particular time it had been impossible to bridge the river and the leading infantry battalions were urgently in need of their supporting arms on the far side of the river. It was also important to evacuate the casualties on the far side of the river. Sergeant Irwin by his great determination and personal leadership operated the ferry service across the river and successfully completed his task despite the heavy enemy shell fire at the crossing point. The maintenance of this line of communication was unquestionably one of the deciding factors in the success of the operation. Throughout subsequent operations in Italy and in Holland Sergeant Irwin's ability to handle a difficult situation and his coolness under fire have always been a source of inspiration to his men. Under the most harassing conditions he has proved himself to be a thoroughly reliable and capable Non-Commissioned Officer.