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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Piché, Paul |
| Date of birth: | Unknown
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| Nationality: |
Canadian |
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BRONZEN LEEUW (BL)
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Rank:
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Lieutenant
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Unit:
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"D" Company, Le Régiment de la Chaudière, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division
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Action:
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Recommendation:
On 6 April 1945, Le Régiment de la Chaudière launched an attack with the intention of eliminating the enemy garrisoned in Zutphen. During this fierce action fought against stubborn troops of the Hitler’s Youth, Lieutenant Piché particularly distinguished himself by his brilliant leadership, personal bravery and utmost gallantry.
This gallant officer was leading the advance with his platoon. He succeeded in attaining his objective, suffering many casualties doing so. The flanking platoons were forced to ground by an enemy machine gun post. Without waiting for orders, this officer, with four volunteers, made a dash across 200 yards of fire swept open ground, and personally wiped out the enemy post. While reorganizing his own position, the enemy intensified their fire trying to drive his men out. Many civilians were in danger. This brave officer went out and in the midst of intense artillery fire found a safe shelter to which he brought twenty-four civilians. During the entire attack, he was always in the forefront killing personally five enemies.
The superb leadership, personal bravery, and utter disregard for his personal safety displayed by Lieutenant Piché were an inspiration to all ranks, and were instrumental in the eventual liberation of the Dutch town of Zutphen.
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Details:
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Royal Decree no. 2 of 8 December 1945.
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