The Victoria Cross Medal is awarded to soldiers who performed above and beyond expectations during war. They risk, and sometimes give, their own lives to save others. Only 16 Canadians received this medal during the Second World War. Some of these recipients include Charles Hoey, Charles Merritt, Andrew Mynarski, John Osborn, Ernest Smith, Frederick Topham, Ian Bazalgette and Frederick Tilston. On February 16, 1944, “Major Hoey's company was part of a force ordered to conquer a position at all costs” (Veterans Affairs, “Charles Ferguson Hoey,” 2014). The territory was well protected by machine gun and rifle fire. Major Hoey led his company toward their objective. Along the way, Major Hoey was shot at least twice in the leg and head, but he still took a Bren gun from one of his men and fired from the hip. He pushed very quickly and his team fell behind. Hoey captured the enemy position first and killed all enemy soldiers residing there, until he was mortally wounded. Hoey received this award posthumously for his “outstanding courage and leadership, total disregard for personal safety, and grim determination” (Veterans, “Charles Ferguson Hoey,” 2014). Charles Cecil Ingersoll Merritt's battalion landed on Green Beach. To achieve its objectives, the battalion had to cross a heavily guarded bridge spanning the Saw River. German artillery, machine guns and mortars protected the bridge, halting the battalion's movement. Merritt took command as he "led the survivors of at least four groups across the bridge in turn" (1942, p. 4323). From there, they eliminated several pillboxes and other enemy positions that defended the bridge and managed to clear a village. Even though he was... middle of paper...... Ilston suffered an even more serious leg injury but refused medical help until he outlined his defense plan to his sole remaining officer and emphasizes the importance of holding the position. Only then did he relinquish command and Tiltson's company post was occupied. The Victoria Cross is only awarded to soldiers who perform work above and beyond the call of duty. These soldiers risked (and some lost) their lives in combat for the sake of other soldiers. These men deserved this medal and received it rightly. Works Cited Canadian Virtual War Memorial. (May 15, 2014). Veterans Affairs Canada. Retrieved May 27, 2014War Office. (1942, October 2). The London Gazette, p. 4323.Ministry of Air. (1946, October 11). The London Gazette, p. 5035.The Canadian Army. (1946, April 2). The London Gazette, p. 1617. War Office. (May 22, 1945). The London Gazette, p..2607.