Honouring Private Alphonsus Hickey
Private Alphonsus Hickey displayed extraordinary courage during the Gothic Line battle in 1944, sacrificing his life to save his comrades. We are campaigning to have his Mention in Dispatches upgraded to the Victoria Cross.
Honouring Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Waterman DSO
Decorated leader who commanded with distinction during WWII. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry, we seek the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary actions during the Gothic Line battle in 1944.
Our Honoured Heroes
Select a hero to learn more about their story and support their recognition
Private Alphonsus Hickey
Cape Breton Highlanders, R.C.I.C
Killed in Action: August 30, 1944
Age 24 • Gothic Line Offensive
Lt Col Ronald Waterman
West Nova Scotia Regiment
Distinguished Service Order
WWII Commanding Officer
Detailed Hero Profiles
Private Alphonsus Hickey
Private Alphonsus Hickey was born on March 15, 1912, in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia. Before enlisting in the Canadian Army in 1940, he worked as a coal miner and was known for his strong sense of duty and community spirit.
He served with the Royal Canadian Regiment throughout the Italian Campaign. Hickey participated in key battles including the advance to Ortona, the Liri Valley, and the fierce fighting at the Hitler Line.
For his actions, Hickey was posthumously awarded the Military Medal. His citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and self-sacrifice. Private Hickey displayed extraordinary courage in the face of almost certain death, prioritizing the lives of his comrades above his own."
Private Hickey is buried at the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery in Italy, alongside 1,615 other Commonwealth soldiers who fell during the Italian Campaign.
Our campaign seeks to have Private Hickey's Military Medal upgraded to the Victoria Cross, recognizing that his actions represent the highest standard of bravery in combat.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Waterman DSO
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Waterman was a distinguished artillery officer who commanded the 13th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery during World War II.
Waterman was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership during the Italian Campaign. His citation reads: "Throughout the operations, Lieutenant Colonel Waterman displayed outstanding leadership and technical ability. His regiment's accurate and timely fire was instrumental in the success of numerous infantry attacks."
During the Battle of the Hitler Line in May 1944, Waterman's regiment provided critical fire support that enabled Canadian infantry to break through heavily fortified German positions. His leadership during the Gothic Line battles later that year was equally distinguished.
After the Italian Campaign, Waterman commanded his regiment in Northwest Europe until the end of the war. He continued to serve in the Canadian Army after WWII, contributing to the development of artillery tactics and training.
Our campaign seeks to recognize Waterman's extraordinary leadership and courage with the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
How You Can Help
Sign the Petition
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Learn the History
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