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Copyright status unknown. Responsibility for determining the copyright status and any use rests exclusively with the user.
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Source Organization
Kitchener Public Library
Collection
Soldier Information Cards - World War Two
Transcription
Erison, Sherman
Four newspaper clippings, three with photos (all the same)
Pte. Sherman Erison, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Erison Jr., 44 Haddington St., enlisted June 6, 1940, with the 1st btn. H.L.I of C. Pte. Erison was born in Galt Nov. 11, 1920. He went to school here at Central public, and before enlisting he was a machinist. He had been with the regiment three years before it was mobilized. He is protestant in religion. An uncle served the last war.
Hand dated Sept 12, 1940
Sherman Erison is Awarded Military Medal
Hand dated May 25, 1945
Sgt. Sherman Walter Erison, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Erison Jr., 44 Haddington Street, has been awarded the Military Medal. The award was announced today by the department of National Defence, Ottawa, in a list of 39 officers and men of the Canadian Army overseas who are receiving decorations for gallantry in action.
No citation accompanied the announcement. Sgt. Erison, who enlisted with the H.L.I. of C. when it was mobilized in 1940 and has been serving with the local unit ever since. He has been wounded near Caen and was away from his unit four weeks. The other two times he remained with his unit.
Mr. and Mrs. Erison had received a letter from a friend of their son who told them that Sherman had won the Military Medal. He had, however, never mentioned it in any of his own letters.
He was scheduled to go on furlough from May 17 to Jun1 and his parents believe that he is now in England, after which he will return to the H.L.I or C.
Sherman Erison Led Attack Through Mines
Hand dated June 26, 1945
The citation covering the previously announced award of the Military Medal to Sgt. Sherman Erison, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Erison Jr., 44 Haddington Street, was released today by the Department of National Defence, Ottawa.
"On February 4, 1945, Cpl. Erison (the rank held on that date), a section leader in No.7 platoon, A company, the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty," the citation said.
"No.7 platoon was given the task of occupying Eingjeshof, a large group of farm buildings in enemy territory, at night, in order to provide a firm base from which to launch a first-light attack.
"At 3:30am February 5, 1945, while approaching Eindjushof, 7 platoon encountered a thick anti-personnel minefield, suffering two casualties. the platoon commander detailed Cpl. Erison to return to the start line for stretcher bearers. Cpl. Erison led the stretcher bearers into the minefield to the casualties. A stretcher bearer stepped on a mine, and Cpl. Erison was painfully wounded about the face and eyes by the explosion. Despite his own wounds he assisted and directed the evacuation of casualties from the minefield.
"When it became evident that the launching of the first-light attack was imperilled by the delay in the minefield, Cpl. Erison refused evacuation, and guided the attacking force quickly and safely through the minefield. He then rejoined his section and remained on duty until the operation was complete.
"Cpl. Erison's devotion to duty and courageous disregard for his own safety were directly responsible for the success of the operation."