Veterans are presented with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal
April 8, 2015 – Bowmanville, ON – Veterans Affairs Canada
The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today presented, on behalf of the United States Government, a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal to Canadian Veterans of the First Special Service Force (FSSF), more famously known as the Devil’s Brigade.
In recognition of their superior service during the Second World War, Veterans Harry Wilks and Ed Groves received the replica of the medal during a ceremony in Bowmanville, Ontario.
The original medal, presented by the United States’ Speaker of the House, John Boehner, was given to 14 Canadian Veterans of the Devil’s Brigade in February 2015. The medal was presented in honour of the 71st anniversary of the landing on Anzio Beachhead, during the Italian Campaign. It was during this battle that the unit was first given their famous nickname, the Devil’s Brigade.
Martin Magnan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
