On the night of December 10/11, 1944, "A" Company of THE 48th HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA crossed the Lamone River at 413348. The crossing was made in the face of fierce enemy small arms and mortar fire from well concealed dug-in enemy positions on the opposite bank.

LIEUTENANT JOHN EVERETT PICKERING commanded one of the assaulting platoons in "A" Company whose Bridgehead was approximately 300 yards the other side of the obstacle, at MR 411355.

In spite of casualties sustained in the initial crossing and still in the face of fierce enemy small arms and mortar defensive fire, LIEUTENANT PICKERING continued on to his objective.

Before he had time to consolidate on the objective, his platoon was counter-attacked by a German Company of approximately 40. The enemy was supported by very heavy artillery and mortar concentrations. This officer quickly rallied his men into a defensive position. In spite of the withering fire, he temporarily drove off the intitial attack.

Before the platoon objective could be reinforced the boche resumed the attack with grim determination, and LIEUTENANT PICKERING was severely wounded in the chest.

Casualties had by now reduced the platoon to a strength of only two non-commissioned officers and 12 men besides himself. Refusing therefore to be evacuated, LIEUTENANT PICKERING continued to command and direct the platoon. He moved, in spite of his wound, from position to position encouraging his men and assisting them in improvising their first positions.

On one occasion during this second counter-attack, wounded as he was, he personally manned a Bren Gun whose crew had been killed, accounting for 9 Germans.

The enemy were finally driven off, and only then, after satisfying himself that the position was firm, did LIEUTENANT PICKERING allow himself to be evacuated.

It was almost entirely due to the gallant and aggressive leadership of this officer that his platoon was successful in gaining its objective. He showed resolute determination and extreme devotion to duty in carrying on the way he did in spite of his severe wound. His actions set an example which inspired all ranks to hold out, unsupported, in the face of tremendous numerical odds and most intense fire.

As a result, this little force of some 16 men held firm against 40 of the enemy. A vital point was secured around which the Battalion Bridgehead was subsequently built.