A Canadian British Empire Medal To The Black Watch During The Normandy & Holland Campaigns

British Empire Medal (Military Division), to Sergeant Dollard Lessard, 5 Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2 Canadian Infantry Division, 2 Canadian Corps, 1st Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada

(D.81186 SGT. DOLLARD LESSARD, C.I.). Naming is engraved. Original military division ribbon withhout pinback, semi-dark patina, very light contact, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, marked "BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL" on the lid, maker marked "Royal Mint" on the inside lid, lightly soiled recessed medal bed, spotting and nicks evident on the exterior, case better than very fine. Accompanied by his original Official Citation Card.

Footnote: D81186 Sergeant Dollard Lessard, 5 Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2 Canadian Infantry Division, 2 Canadian Corps, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, Canadian Infantry Corps was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) on December 15, 1945, the announcement appearing in the Supplement to the London Gazette 37442 of Tuesday, January 22, 1946, on Thursday, January 24, 1946, page 633. He received three recommendations for the award on his Official Citation Card, dated July 1945: "Sergeant Lessard has served continuously with the Battalion since it landed in NORMANDY until VE day as Intelligence Serjeant. During this period he has carried out his duties, which entailed a great deal of responsibility, admirably.", per Major V.E. Traversy, Officer Commanding; "At LAREN, HOLLAND, on 5th April 1945, after his officer had been wounded, he took over the duties of Intelligence Officer for a period of ten days. In performing this difficult task the great skill and determination that this Non-Commissioned Officer showed under very trying conditions, earned for him the respect and admiration of all.", per Major General Albert Bruce Matthews, CBE DSO ED, Commanding 2 Canadian Infantry Division and Lieutenant General Guy Granville Simonds, CC, CB, CBE, DSO, CD, Commanding 2 Canadian Corps; "During his long period of service Serjeant Lessard has never failed to carry out his duties in a quiet and efficient manner often under direct enemy fire and under conditions of extreme physical discomfort.", per General Henry Duncan Graham "Harry" Crerar, CH, CB, DSO, CD, PC., General Officer Commanding-in-Chief First Canadian Army.