Company Sergeant Major (CSM) George William Green, D.C.M., M.M.

Sgt. Major Green moved to Canada from Cresskill, New Jersey, U.S.A. and was a mechanic by trade. Green joined the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps on November 3, 1941 and qualified as a Class 3 (Wheel & Track) driver on April 25, 1942. Green was promoted to A/Cpl on January 9, 1943 and promoted again to A/Sgt by July 6, 1943. He had also qualified as a mechanic on June 30, 1943.

Green requested a transfer to the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and was taken on strength as a driver on December 9, 1943. As was the norm for Other Ranks volunteers joining the Parachute Battalion, he voluntarily accepted a reduction in rank back to Private. Green requested a transfer to the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and was taken on strength as a driver on December 9, 1943. As was the norm for Other Ranks volunteers joining the Parachute Battalion, he voluntarily accepted a reduction in rank back to Private. He completed his parachute course at Ringway, United Kingdom on January 18, 1944 and granted Para Pay immediately thereafter. He was quickly promoted back up to Sergeant on May 23, 1944.

On June 6, he parachuted into Normandy during Operation Overlord and was later wounded in his left calf on August 20, 1944. He served with A Coy and in both 1 and 3 Platoon during his time overseas. He was promoted to CSM on February 27, 1945. Additionally, Green was awarded the Military Medal in February 1945 due his leadership and gallant actions in Normandy. Green also saw action when he parachuted into Germany during Operation Varsity and was wounded a second time in March of 1945.

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his heroism on the Rhine and also saw active service in Belgium and Holland. Green was the most highly decorated Non-Commissioned Officer in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion due to his courageous actions in theatre.

CITATION

CSM Green landed by parachute east of the Rhine on March 24, 1945. Enemy fire was extremely heavy, however, CSM Green made his way to the rendezvous point and quickly gathered his troops. Immediately after, CSM Green and his men were directed onto a village that a determined enemy force in fortified houses was holding. CSM Green and his men were now under fire once again, so CSM Green directed his men to cover fire positions as he led the PIAT detachment up to the first house and led the assault himself. After capturing the first house, they cleared the remaining houses in succession.

CSM Green’s determination and quick actions was the greatest value in clearing this dangerous obstacle and restoring the impetus of the advance. His contempt for danger and eagerness to close with the enemy were an inspiration to his men.

This is CSM Green's 1944 dated beret he wore overseas.

Green was the most highly decorated NCO in the Battalion.

CSM Green's official citation for his gallantry in action.

Green's dog tag and German wrist watch he liberated while overseas.

German wrist watch liberated during the Normandy invasion.

Another photograph of the dog tag and miniature medals to include the DCM and MM.

One of CSM Green's dog tags he wore when he parachuted into Normandy.

Miniature medals showing CSM Green's galantry medals.

CSM Green, in his golden years.

Projector Infantry Anti Tank (P.I.A.T.)

It is mentioned in the citation that CSM Green led the PIAT detachment to the first house and then performed the assault. Below is a PIAT and bomb. The PIAT was designed to disable tanks, however was also used to conduct house breaching. This is the weapon system they would have used on that day when they successfully cleared multiple houses.