RECOMMENDATION FOR THE IMMEDIATE AWARD OF MILITARY MEDAL TO F33244 PTE Charles Louis GOUTHRO, 48TH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA

Pte Gouthro’s section advancing to point 106 came under heavy enemy machine gun fire and mortar fire and also fire from our own tanks who were provided overhead and covering fire.  Quickly appreciating the situation as regards his section and Pl (both the Pl Comd and Pl Sgt having become casualties a few minutes before) Pte Gouthro worked his way over very open ground and succeeded in making his way to Coya HQ. He was able to pin point the enemy machine gun fire, and the tank fire was lifted and directed on to the machine gun nest.  Pte Gouthro then returned to his section to see if he could assist the wounded ou, and also reported the location of the rest of the Coy in order that they could reorganize there. He was then sent by the acting Pl Comd to contact the right forward section of the Pl who were also pinned down by machine gun fire.  On the way we was very seriously wounded in the head and stomach and one hand was partially blown off by mortar fire, in this condition he reported back to the acting Pl Comd that the section had been contacted and his orders delivered.  He then walked to Coy HQ reporting the location of his Pl Comd before losing consciousness.  Pte Gouthro died later that afternoon.

By his actions Pte Gouthro totally disregarding his own personal safety undoubtedly saved his comrades from further casualties and at the same time helped to reorganize the Pl and advised the Coy Comd of their position.

Note: As noted in the nomination above –  Pte Gouthro was to be submitted for a an immediate award of theMilitary Medal  for his courage during the battles for the Hitler Line on 23-May-44.  Unfortunately as he did not survive the battle he could only be awarded an MID.