Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    Les Fusiliers Mont Royal

    Action Date:

    July 20, 1944

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 271 (September 27, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major Gilles Gamache, Canadian Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces on 20 July 1944 near Ifs, France. During the attack of Les Fusiliers Mont Royal on the strongly held Beauvoir Farm, the full weight of the enemy defensive artillery and mortar fire was brought to bear on the troops under Major Gamache. Refusing to be evacuated although badly wounded, Major Gamache remained at the head of his troops and with superior leadership and an exemplary display of courage insured the reduction of the enemy stronghold. His personal example was reflected in the actions of each member of the unit, and the inspiration which he lent courageously reflected high credit upon himself and the armed forces of the Allied armies.