Military Service Recognition Book 18 During the afternoon of 20 April 1945, a carrier reconnaissance force of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, which included a machine gun platoon of the Saskatoon Light Infantry (Machine Gun), were moving South West from Barneveld (Netherlands) toward Walderveen. Corporal Burton, Saskatoon Light Infantry (Machine Gun) was in command of a carrier mounting a medium machine gun. As they approached the blown bridge this force came under intense small arms and faustpatronen fire from nearby enemy positions. A faustpatronen bomb which burst in a tree above Corporal Burton’s carrier wounded every member of the crew and blew Corporal Burton himself out of the carrier into the ditch. Although seriously wounded and under heavy enemy fire from close range, Corporal Burton, without hesitation, crawled back to his carrier and with great difficulty got his damaged gun into action. Showing utter contempt for the enemy fire, although he had to expose the upper part of his body, Corporal Burton continued to man his gun until he overcame the enemy fire and compelled them to abandon their position. Corporal Burton was so weak by this time that he was scarcely able to move but not until the enemy withdrew did he give the slightest thought to his own wounds. Corporal Burton’s bravery under fire was an inspiration to all the men of the reconnaissance force. By his aggressive action in engaging and dispersing the enemy he prevented their exploiting the surprise of the ambush and enabled his own forces to proceed on its mission with a minimum of delay or casualties. Award of: The Military Medal To: L7237 Corporal Philip BURTON, Canadian Infantry Corps.
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