United States of America – Bronze Star

The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

When the medal is awarded by the Army, Air Force, or Space Force for acts of valor in combat, the “V” device is authorized for wear on the medal. When the medal is awarded by the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard for acts of valor or meritorious service in combat, the Combat “V” is authorized for wear on the medal.

Officers from the other Uniformed Services of the United States are eligible to receive this award, as are foreign soldiers who have served with or alongside a service branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Colonel L H P Stéphane Boucher CD
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Lieutenant John William Chivers
Lieutenant John William Chivers, Regimental Survey Officer, 3rd Canadian Medium Regiment, on the 5th of May, 1945, at Wiefelstede, Germany, carried out the survey of his own regiment while under fire from enemy rear elements, mostly snipers. On completion of his task he was then called on to carry the survey to the 2nd Canadian Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment who were endeavouring to occupy a position on the right flank. The regimental reconnaissance party, which then included Lieutenant Chivers, was forced to leave the area on two occasions due to concentrated enemy mortar fire which resulted in casualties to several of the party. Lieutenant Chivers succeeded in planting a regimental director and passing the line to the battery directors. During this time he was required to expose himself, but completely disregarded his personal safety to complete the job and get both regiments on a temporary grid which allowed for maximum concentration of fire, thus causing casualties to and dispersion of the enemy. Lieutenant John William Chivers distinguished himself by heroic service in accomplishing this task.
Colonel Kevin R Cotton OMM CD
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Captain William Anderson Cowan
During the attack by 10 Canadian Infantry Brigade on the Kappelsche Veer bridgehead from 25 January 1945 to 29 January 1945, Captain Cowan was acting as Forward Observation Officer giving support to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. The infantry were experiencing great difficulty from very severe winter weather conditions and fanatical resistance from enemy paratroops, and were frequently pinned down by machine gun and mortar fire. In spite of intense cold, heavy mortar fire and constant sniping, Captain Cowan remained with the forward troops and directed fire so accurately on the enemy posts that the company he was supporting was able to move on to its objective. When not actually calling for targets, Captain Cowan provided the only means of communication from the forward troops back to Battalion Headquarters and kept up a steady flow of information for both artillery and infantry. During Operation BLOCKBUSTER, Captain Cowan was acting as a Forward Observation Officer with a force of 21 Canadian Armoured Regiment whose task was to pass through to the high ground north of Udem which was the divisional first objective. Darkness fell before the tanks reached the objective and they became lost owing to the bad going and heavy enemy mortaring. Captain Cowan undertook to lead the force and by accurate map reading and by firing indicator shells he led the force to the correct objective where the tanks caught and destroyed several enemy guns and vehicles. Throughout the night Captain Cowan fired on targets to reduce the enemy mortaring and fired on one infantry counter-attack which actually reached the tanks’ position before being defeated by Browning machine guns and small arms. The position was held. The next day Captain Cowan was attached to a force of the 22 Canadian Armoured Regiment and Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) which attacked the gap between the Hochwald and the Balberger Waid. Again in spite of bad going and very heavy shelling and mortaring Captain Cowan led his tanks and Kangaroos in darkness to the correct objective. When daylight came the enemy counter-attacked in strength with tanks and infantry and our forces suffered heavy casualties. Captain Cowan continued to direct fire until his tank was knocked out by a direct hit. With complete disregard for his own safety and acting with extreme coolness, he succeeded in evacuating the wounded men from the tank before it was hit again and brewed up. He then organized his own party and some of the infantry and got his wounded away before the position was overrun by the enemy and Captain Cowan was captured. Throughout this action Captain Cowan distinguished himself by heroic achievement. At all times he displayed a coolness and efficiency under fire and adverse weather conditions which contributed directly to the success of the arms he was supporting.
Major Archibald Stuart Dewar
Major Archibald Stuart Dewar has been the battery commander of the 7th Battery, 5 Canadian Medium Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery since February 1945. He brought the battery from Italy to Holland in March 1945 and in April led it into action in the area of Elst, five kilometres north of Nijmegen.
When his battery was in action Major Dewar went forward to 49 British Divisional Headquarters as representative of the Commander of 1 Canadian Army Group, Royal Artillery. His task was to coordinate the artillery fire power and form a plan for the support of 49 British Division in clearing the enemy south of the Rhine and the crossing of the river to capture the city of Arnhem. During the period of this attachment, which lasted from the 8 to 19 April 1945, Major Dewar distinguished himself by meritorious service. By great perseverance and personal initiative he was able to carry out his task or organizing the fire power and forming artillery plans, often under intense shell fire, and constantly moving forward in search of vital information. His work on this occasion won high praise from the units which the regiment was supporting.
The cool efficiency and aggressive spirit of this officer undoubtedly played an important part in the success of this phase of the battle and the capture of Arnhem.
Lieutenant-Colonel Howard Clough Fair
Lieutenant-Colonel Fair commanded 2 Canadian Survey Regiment from its inception in 1943 until the attack on the Seigfried Line near Cleve. The excellent record of the regiment in this campaign is largely attributable to Lieutenant-Colonel Fair’s constant action and without exception elements of this regiment have been in the forefront of every battle. The highly effective neutralization of enemy guns achieved by our artillery was to a large extent due to the accurate survey data and hostile battery intelligence provided by the well trained specialists in 2 Canadian Survey Regiment.
Lieutenant-Colonel Fair has at all times displayed outstanding knowledge of the highly technical survey equipment. The state of efficiency attained by 2 Canadian Survey Regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Fair’s personal leadership has been a material contribution to the successful operations of 2 Canadian Corps. This officer has distinguished himself by his meritorious service throughout the campaign.
Sergeant Albert Lewis Fitz-Randolph
F.6118 Sergeant Fitz-Randolph, Albert Lewis, landed on the Normandy beaches with this regiment on June 6, 1944. On innumerable occasions, this Non-Commissioned Officer exhibited coolness, courage and leadership of the highest quality in the face of the enemy.
On July 21st, 1944, at Sassy, France, Map Reference 189458 Sheet 7F 1:100,000, our infantry and armour was scheduled to launch an attack upon the enemy to clear the town. F.6118 Sergeant Fitz-Randolph, Albert Lewis, was with his gun crew, in support of a battalion of infantry in this attack. While advancing over open ground under heavy fire, an enemy shell landed alongside his gun tower, killing one of his men and wounding the remaining four. Without hesitation, F.6118 Sergeant Fitz-Randolph, Albert Lewis himself manned the gun tower and drove the vehicle and gun, unaccompanied, to the infantry objective.
Upon reaching the objective, F.6118 Sergeant Fitz-Randolph, Albert Lewis distinguished himself by heroic services by putting his gun in action in the face of concentrated and determined enemy fire and unaided by any member of his crew. The determination, courage and disregard for person safety shown by F.6118 Sergeant Fitz-Randolph, Albert Lewis in this action so heartened histroop that, in spite of heavy losses, they maintained their advance against the fiercest opposition.
Major-General Simon C Hetherington OMM MSC CD
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Gunner Hedley Judson Horning
This Gunner has been an Observation Post signaller since “D” Day. On 8 July 1944 he was in an Observation Post tank advancing with the attack mounted on Guchy in Normandy. The tank was struck by an 88-mm shell and commenced to burn. Horning assisted the other members out of the tank under heavy fire and the crew eventually were able to return to our lines.
Gunner Horning continued as Observation Post signaller and on 9 August 1944 advanced with an armoured unit in a drive to seize high ground north of Falaise. The unit became isolated by a German counter-attack and the Observation Post crew fought all day resisting the German infiltration. When the ammunition was expended and the Observation Post tank had become immobilized by a hit from a German anti-tank weapon, the Observation Post officer ordered the crew to try to escape. The crew scattered but the remainder were either killed or captured. Gunner Horning with coolness and resource made his way through the German lines and in four days rejoined his unit where he has rendered a high type of service up to the end of the war.
The courage and resourcefulness of this Gunner, [and] his coolness under fire have been an invaluable asset to those with whom he served and have made possible the bringing of effective artillery fire on the enemy at critical moments when the Observation Post has been under intense fire itself. His devotion to duty has been exceptional and continuous regardless of personal danger. He has repeatedly distinguished himself by heroic achievements during operations.
Sergeant Arne Paul Knudsen
For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Italy on 11 January 1945. While in command of an anti-tank gun located in a forward position, with a listening post established about 200 yards in front, Sergeant Knudsen, upon receiving a report from a sentry that German voices were heard in the vicinity of the listening post, and almost immediately receiving enemy machine gun and grenade fire upon his position, calmly returned the fire with his automatic weapon, thus causing the enemy to fall back. A few minutes later two men from the listening post tumbled into the gun position and reported that the enemy had attacked their post and that two of their commanders [comrades ?] who had been wounded were still there. Sergeant Knudsen immediately organized and led a patrol forward through heavy enemy fire and retook the post. He then made two trips over the hazardous route under fire to carry the wounded men to safety. His courage, initiative and leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the Allied nations.
Major Stephen Joseph Kuervers CD
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Captain Albert Linus Lee
On the 16 July 1944 Captain Albert Linus Lee was appointed the first Counter Mortar Officer in 3 Canadian Infantry Division with the task of building an organization within the division which could effectively combat the German mortars. Between the date of his appointment and 5 January 1945, when he was vacated, Captain Lee collected together and operated the Counter Mortar Staff. The success with which this organization met is shown by the decreases of enemy mortar activity on 3 Canadian Infantry Division front, and was largely due to the hard work and initiative of Captain Lee.
From 17 February 1945, during the battle of the Hochwald, until the cessation of hostilities, Captain Lee held the appointment of Staff Learner at Headquarters Royal Canadian Artillery, 3 Canadian Infantry Division. During this period he discharged his duties again with an initiative which was an inspiration to all ranks at Headquarters Royal Canadian Artillery. Both in his line of duty as Counter Mortar Office and later as Staff Learner at Headquarters, 3 Canadian Infantry Division, Captain Albert Linus Lee distinguished himself by meritorious service.
Warrant Officer Class I Ferdinand Anthony MacVicar
Regimental Sergeant-Major MacVicar has been Regimental Sergeant-Major of 6 Canadian Field Regiment since its formation in April 1940, and has served with the same unit during the campaign in Northwest Europe. He has throughout his whole service continuously distinguished himself by meritorious service to a most marked degree.
At all times and under every sort of trying circumstances his untiring energy and unfailing cheerfulness have been an inspiration to all who have come in contact with him. He has not only carried out his own duties in an exemplary manner but at any time when the going has been hard he has proved himself fully capable of relieving the officer personnel controlling fire in regimental headquarters, and has also shown administrative ability of an exceptionally high order. On any occasion when there have been damage or casualties caused by shelling, he has immediately appeared to offer encouragement and to set an example of coolness and steadiness under fire.
His splendid example, coupled with a strict regard for discipline and an absolute fairness have earned him the respect, admiration and affection of the whole regiment to a most striking degree. His personal courage, ability and selfless devotion to duty represent the ideal qualities of a soldier, and have set a standard for the rest of the regiment which has been invaluable in maintaining the morale and fighting qualities of the troops at a consistently high level.
Major Edward Murray Dalzeil McNaughton
For heroic achievement in connection with military operations in the Liri Valley, Italy on 23 May 1944. Despite heavy and incessant enemy shelling, Major McNaughton, demonstrating a high degree of courage and skilful leadership, personally deployed two observation posts in an extremely hazardous position, and later, upon a group of enemy tanks forming for a counter-attack, immediately brought all of the artillery at his command to fire upon them. Amidst intense enemy fire he moved from one position to another to assure the effectiveness of his barrage, and through his brilliant tactical ability, initiative and great bravery in exposing himself to personal risk, Major McNaughton was an inspiration to the men of his command.
Colonel Ivars Arnis Miezitis CD
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Bombardier Gavin Ian Reid
Bombardier Reid, Artillery, a member of Battery “C”, 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, distinguished himself by meritorious service in Korea from 6 May 1952 to 19 September 1952. As Battery Signal Non-Commissioned Officer, responsible for continual supervision and maintenance of the battery communication lines, he carried out the multiplicity of intricate details incident to his key position in an exemplary manner. When enemy artillery fire severed vital lines of communication, disregarding his own safety, he constantly exposed himself to hostile fire to personally inspect and repair the lines. Bombardier Reid’s fortitude, determination of purpose, and devotion to duty materially furthered the cause of the United Nations in Korea and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Captain Robert J Staples
Captain Robert J. Staples, Royal Canadian Artillery, as Liaison Officer for the British Commonwealth Forces in Korea, distinguished himself by meritorious service from 15 April 1952 to 30 January 1953. Cognizant of the significant role which he played in integrating the movement of men and supplies of the Commonwealth forces into the overall United Nations operations and the necessity for smooth interrelation within the complex United Nations logistical operations, Captain Staples established an exemplary rapport with ports, depots, and technical services of the Korean Base Section. His technical knowledge and adeptness at preplanning insured and facilitated timely movement of vast numbers of troops and impedimenta despite vicissitudes and obstacles, including transportation, equipment, terrain difficulties, and adverse weather conditions. He carefully screened, with an acute eye for economy, major requests for assistance and support. He cooperated closely in key local defence and vital fire protection plans. With his broad knowledge of United States Army organization, he promoted excellent cooperation between units and personnel. His outstanding administrative and executive abilities contributed immeasurably to the effectiveness of the United Nations effort in Korea. The meritorious service rendered by Captain Staples reflects credit upon himself and the British Commonwealth forces.
Staff Sergeant George Benson Stewart
From the 9th November to the 24th November 1944, Staff-Sergeant Stewart, then a Lance Sergeant, was acting as a clerk with the decentralized Counter Battery Detachment operating on “The Island” opposite Arnhem in support of 101 U.S. Airborne Division. During this period the volume of shelling was as heavy as that experienced by any division within the Corps during the entire campaign. It was necessary for this Non-Commissioned Officer to relieve the officer in charge during periods of intense activity. On each such occasion Sergeant Stewart showed exceptional initiative and resourcefulness, frequently on his own engaging active enemy batteries with the entire artillery resources of the Corps. Staff-Sergeant Stewart displayed initiative and ability that could normally have been expected only from a very experienced counter-battery officer. By meritorious achievement during the operation this Non-Commissioned Officer distinguished himself.
Private Richard Wadeson
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Lieutenant-Colonel J.C. Wilson CD
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Colonel David Gerald Henley OMM CD
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.