Honours and Awards - Korean War

The following medals and awards were made to Signals personnel during the Korean War.

Member of the Order of the British Empire

Name	Award Date	Citation	Citation Image(s)
Capt J.R. Connell, CD	6 June 1953	Captain Connell has carried out the duties of Signal Officer to 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade since April 1952. He has organized the brigade communications under difficult and unusual conditions of static defence. The fact that there has been no lapse in the communications within the brigade and its supporting arms during his tour of command of the signal troop is due largely to his technical ability and the hard work he has done. He quickly gained experience and at every opportunity has encouraged and advised the Battalion Signal Officers without regard to the inconvenience to himself. At the same time, he has shown an outstanding spirit of cooperation in integrating his troop within the Divisional Signal Regiment, working in the closest harmony with officers and men whose technical methods were frequently different from those to which he was accustomed. He has gone out of his way to offer the benefit of his opinion, technical knowledge and of his resources where they could be of advantage to the division as a whole. His hard work and devotion to duty, and especially his spirit of cooperation which has done so much to make the divisional communications effective, are worthy of special recognition.
Maj D.H. George, MC, CD	2 August 1952	Major George was Officer Commander, 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals from the mobilization of 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade in August 1950 until November 1951, when he assumed the appointment of Brigade Major. As Officer commanding 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron, Major George organized and trained the signal squadron so swiftly that the squadron was able to take part in all exercises and provide operations during the early part of the training period. In operations the communications of the Brigade have been outstanding due to his efforts. In fact, the communications of the Brigade have received very favourable comments from both British and United States Army formations. As Brigade Major, Major George has tirelessly carried out that function. He has developed new means of controlling air strikes and performed the staff work during several heavy battles. This officer's endless energy, determination, devotion to duty and intelligence has contributed largely to the successful operation of the Brigade.
Capt W.E. Wheeler, CD	8 November 1952	Captain Wheeler was Second-in-Command, 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron from its formation in August 1950 until it was reduced to a Signal Troop in November 1951 and since November 1951 has commanded the troop. When the Special Force Signals were being formed at Kingston, Ontario, Captain Wheeler worked very long hours instructing, planning and carrying out administrative duties concerned with organization and training. His outstanding ability, knowledge of signals and endurance, aided greatly in preparing the units in the time allotted. In Fort Lewis he was responsible for co-ordinating training and, in particular, training operators and regimental signallers. Due to his thoroughness and determination, the training was well conducted and the excellent wireless communications experienced in Korea have been a direct result. When the Commanding Officer proceeded on the Advance Party he completed the administration and move of troops. While Second-in-Command of Signals in Korea, he was responsible to ensure that all communications functioned properly or that proper action was taken to correct faulty communications while the Commanding Officer was away on reconnaissance or liaison. It was with the utmost confidence that the Commanding Officer was able to leave matters in the hands of Captain Wheeler. Since taking over command of 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signals, Captain has continued his excellent efforts. The communications have been outstanding to the notice of other United Nations forces in Korea. Captain Wheeler has led and inspired his men under many adverse conditions. During November 1951 when enemy artillery constantly interrupted his line communications, he worked day and night under enemy fire to keep communications working. The good communications experienced have been a direct result of Captain Wheeler's ability and leadership.

The Military Cross

Name	Award Date	Citation	Citation Image(s)
Lt L.G. Cote	4 July 1953	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.

British Empire Medal

Name	Award Date	Citation	Citation Image(s)
Sgt A.E. Thompson	3 October 1953	Sergeant Thompson served as Signals Troop Non-Commissioned Officer with 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, during his service in Korea and has displayed outstanding ability and devotion to duty throughout this period. He has shown coolness in the supervision of line detachments under fire and displayed great presence of mind under difficult circumstances. At 1535 hours on 25 March 1953, Signalman Wagstaff, Royal Signals, strayed into a minefield in the vicinity of 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, and was immediately wounded as the result of a mine explosion. One of the gunners of 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, heard the explosion, and knowing it to be that of a mine, went off to investigate. He found Signalman Wagstaff lying wounded in the minefield, and being unable to deal with the situation himself, returned to Regimental Headquarters and reported the casualty to Sergeant Thompson. This Non-Commissioned Officer ran to the scene and found Signalman Wagstaff lying in the minefield calling for assistance. Sergeant Thompson then carefully followed the regimental drill for removing a wounded man from a minefield. Using a short knife, he made his way to the wounded man, prodding for mines and laying a length of signal cable behind him to mark a safe route for the Medical Officer who had also been called. On his way to the casualty, Sergeant Thompson lifted two mines from his path. On reaching the wounded man, Sergeant Thompson calmly cleared the ground all round him, ensuring that he could be moved and attended to in safety. Only when he was confident that it was perfectly safe did he allow the Medical Officer and the stretcher bearer to follow him into the minefield. The casualty was then treated by the Medical Officer and safely evacuated from the minefield. There is no doubt that the life of a young British soldier was saved by Sergeant Thompson's deed. His actions, throughout, displayed courage, unselfishness and presence of mind and a complete disregard for his own safety.

Mentioned in Despatches

Name	Award Date	Citation	Citation Image(s)
Cpl E.A. Buckner	28 March 1953	[25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Troop]
Cpl A.R.P.J. Carriere	6 October 1951
Cpl J.A. Disley	6 October 1951	[attached to Royal Canadian Horse Artillery]
Capt E.E. Doidge	6 June 1953	[attached 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery]
Capt D.A. Elliott	3 October 1953	[attached 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry]
Cpl A.G. Flemming	3 October 1953	[25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signals]
Sgt H.J. Guy	8 November 1952	[2 RCHA Signal Troop]
Capt F.T. Harris	8 November 1952	[attached 1st Battalion, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry]
Capt F.G. LaRose	8 November 1952	[attached 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment]
Sigmn A.R. Mann	8 November 1952	[2 RCHA Signal Troop]
Cpl J.B. McElrea	6 June 1953	[attached 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery]
Capt J.I. Moldaver	8 November 1952	[2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery]
LCpl P.C. Rodney	8 November 1952	[2 RCHA Signal Troop]
Cpl H.W. Searls	6 June 1953	[Headquarters, 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signals Troop]
Lt F.E. Sorensen	8 November 1952	[2 RCHA Signal Troop]
Capt F.J. Spicoluk	13 February 1954	[attached 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment]
Lt G. Vann	3 October 1953	[attached 81 Field Regiment]
WO2 S.A. Winterson	12 April 1952	[25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Troop]