Canadian Virtual War Memorial

SP21422

35

Army

Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, R.C.I.C.

2nd Battalion

Distinguished Conduct Medal, Infantry (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 17 February 1945. "On 20 October 1944, the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was ordered to secure a bridgehead over the River Savio. "A" Company's task was to establish a bridgehead in the area Casa Medni to Casa Saladini. Sergeant (Acting Warrant Officer II / Acting Company Sergeant-Major) James Deans Wood was Company Sergeant-Major of this Company. It was not possible to make a thorough reconnaissance of the proposed crossing place or of the approaches to the river previous to the attack owing to their exposed position. The attack was launched at 1710 hours under extremely heavy fire from enemy machine guns, mortars and artillery and over ground that was found to be mined. The crossing was accordingly found to be an extremely dangerous undertaking owing to this enemy opposition and to the swollen nature of the river. Completely disregarding these dangers, Sergeant-Major Wood, who arrived at the river with the leading elements, remained there under fire during the whole crossing and personally assisted seventeen non-swimmers across to the other bank. A reconnaissance of the objective, in which he took part, revealed that it was very strongly held by machine guns from well concealed positions. While the company moved to surround the position, Sergeant-Major Wood worked his way forward to within 85 yards of the position and then, dashing across the open stretch of ground, he threw hand grenades into one of the machine gun posts killing two of the enemy and forcing three into the open where they were taken prisoners. On the afternoon of 21 October 1944 while he was escorting a wounded officer to the river crossing at TAY, an enemy sniper opened fire at close range from a dug-in position. Sergeant-Major Wood immediately attacked this position with hand grenades, killing one German and capturing two others."

November 17, 1915
Ranfurly, Alberta

September 6, 1950
Calgary, Alberta