Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gunner

Unit:

17th Canadian Field Regiment RCA, 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

May 31st, 1945

"Throughout the battle of the Liri Valley in May 1944 and again during the Gothic Line actions in August 1944, Gunner Marchuk displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order. On 24 May 1944, this soldier was driver of a vehicle which had gone forward to reconnoitre a new gun position. The group of which he was a part was subjected to heavy mortar, shell and small arms fire but despite the fact that his vehicle was hit by shell fragments, Gunner Marchuk carried on with his duties without hesitation. The example he set was a great encourage­ment to all ranks present and no delay occurred in preparing the new gun position for occupation. During the night 24-25 August 1944 the regimental gun position near Montemaggiore was heavily shelled, killing the commanding officer and seriously wounding two signallers. Disregarding the continuous close shelling, Gunner Marchuk immediately rendered first aid. Having noted that the Commanding Officer was dead and that one of the wounded men was beyond help, he skilfully applied shell dressings to the second wounded signaller. Then the road to the dressing station was found to be blocked by vehicles damaged by the shelling. Gunner Marchuk organized a carrying party and led it with the wounded man to the dressing station. His courageous action undoubtedly not only saved this man's life but gave great encouragement and inspiration to his comrades. The work of this Gunner Driver had at all times been outstanding and his initiative and courage under enemy fire are deserving of the highest praise."