Cote, Laurie George
From RCSigs.ca
| Laurie George Cote | |
|---|---|
| 17 March 1921 – 20 January 1999 | |
| Place of birth | Russel, Manitoba |
| Place of death | Ottawa, Ontario |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/branch | Canadian Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Awards | MC |
Early Life
Laurie was born in Russel, Manitoba, on 17 March 1921.[1]
Service
During the Second World War, he served in the RCAF from 27 January 1941 until 10 October 1945.
He joined the Canadian Army on 1 October 1949. Lt Cote served with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment in the Korean War as their Battalion Signal Officer. For action under fire on the night of 2/3 May 1953 in the Battle of Hill 187, he was awarded the Military Cross[2].
Military Cross Citation
The citation for his award of the Military Cross reads:
- During the night 2/3 May 1953, C Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, sustained a heavy attack by superior enemy forces accompanied by an intense artillery bombardment. At the time the attack was launched Lieutenant Coté was supervising the communications with a fighting patrol in the front of C Company. This patrol encountered the enemy and with the increased volume of traffic which occurred when it became apparent they had made contact with a large enemy force, it was necessary for this officer to remain on the position to supervise and assist the operators on the wireless and telephone communications, which he did in a most competent manner. As the attack developed, Lieutenant Coté assisted No.7 Platoon Commander of C Company to maintain his organization and visited section posts to report conditions of the defences. On one such tour he was twice blown from the trench into bunkers before he could return to the command post. In spite of this he carried on in a calm and confident manner, inspiring all concerned with his personal courage and coolness. At the height of the enemy assault, he left the command post to personally engage the enemy with pistol and Sten, and finally a Bren gun and grenades. He remained in the open trenches during the time that the Platoon Commander called for fire on the platoon positions and until the enemy had withdrawn, after which he once more toured the platoon locality and picked up four survivors whom he led to No.8 platoon position to the rear of No.7 platoon position. There is no doubt that his cool and courageous action in undertaking tasks for which he, as a Signals Officer need not have necessarily performed, contributed both directly and indirectly to the successful defence of the company locality.
Personal Life
After he released from the RCAF after the Second World War he obtained a Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering) degree from the University of Manitoba.
Laurie died in Ottawa on 20 January 1999 at the age of 77.
Related Pages
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