Sgt. Lloyd G. Hurley

“Sgt. Lloyd G. Hurley of Maccan, son of Mrs. Amanda Hurley of that place, is one of the five men from Military District No. 6 to be decorated by the French Government in “recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the cause of the Allies.”  The Department of National Defence today announced 176 awards by the French Government to members of the Canadian Army serving overseas in the northwest European theatre of war. Sgt. Hurley, who is 27 years of age, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre avec Etoile de Bronze (Military Cross with Bronze Star).

The awards to men from the Military District No. 6 are: Croix de Guerre avec etoile in vermeil (Military Cross with Gold Star) — Major Arnold William Jefferson, Bridgetown and Upper Granville; Major Willard Bruce Parker, Kentville; Croix de Guerre avec etoile d’argent (Military Cross with Silver Star) — Lieut. Hugh Gerald MacAdam, Margaree Harbor; Croix de Guerre avec etoile de Bronze (Military Cross with Bronze Star) — Sgt. Lloyd George Hurley, Maccan; Pte. Wendall MacKay, Hunter River, P.E.I.“

The citation accompanying the award to Sgt. Hurley follows:

“On July 8, 1944, during the attack on Burton, Sgt. Hurley, section commander, anti-tank platoon, North Nova Scotia Highlanders, displayed great personal bravery, skillful speed and a complete disregard for personal safety in an action which enabled his battalion to consolidate rapidly and smash an enemy counter-attack.”

“On July 8, 1944, Sgt. Hurley was ordered to take his section of guns to a forward position through fierce enemy small-arms and mortar fire. The assaulting companies had not yet consolidated, and not organized defence had been established by them. It was necessary to place the guns forward of the infantry which resulted in Sgt. Hurley’s section having no protection. While placing one gun, the section came under direct fire from the enemy. Sgt. Hurley, with one other man, outflanked the enemy position, Sten gun fire killed the seven enemy personnel there. He then completed the setting of his guns. In doing so, he provided protection to the consolidating companies against an imminent enemy counter-attack by armour.”

“This magnificent example of personal courage, tenacity and determination was an inspiration to his men and directly instrumental in making the attack on Buron a success.”