Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Photo of George Campion – The Italian Campaign - With the fall of Sicily by mid-August, 1943, the decision was made to oust the Germans from Italy. The 1st Division and the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade crossed the Strait of Messina to the southwest tip of Italy in September and moved northwards. Ortona, at the Adriatic end of the German winter line, fell to the 2nd Infantry Brigade in December, 1943 after bitter fighting. As the Canadians fought their way up the peninsula, mounting casualties included many Aboriginal soldiers. It was at the outset of the attack on Ortona that an Alberta Métis, Sgt. George Alexander Campion, was awarded the Military Medal (MM). His citation in part: - "On 22 December 1943, 'A' Company of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment were attacking down the main street of Ortona, Italy, supported by a troop of tanks when a mine field was spotted about 25 meters in front of the leading tank. All the infantry were pinned inside buildings by machine gun fire from four guns. Engineers were called forward to clear the field but owing to this fire, it was impossible for them to get near the mines. Sgt. Campion asked permission from of his C.O., to lay a smoke screen. Permission was granted, and he gathered a pocket full of smoke grenades from his platoon, ran 30 yards (~25 meters) beyond the mine field into the open street and threw his grenades. A perfect smoke screen resulted. He then ran back to his platoon to collect more grenades. In the meantime the Engineers, who had not been able to complete their task before the smoke cleared, were driven back by machine gun fire. Returning, Sgt Campion laid another smoke screen which enabled them to clear the mines and thus allowed the advance to go on. The distance covered each time under heavy machine gun fire in the open street was approx. 30 yards (~25 meters). Because of his determination and absolute lack of personal fear on these two occasions, he contributed materially to the success of the operation".

Fortyniner magazine – From the Loyal Edmonton Regimental magazine the Fortyniner. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Photo of GEORGE ALEXANDER CAMPION – From the Loyal Edmonton Regimental magazine the Fortyniner. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Photo of GEORGE ALEXANDER CAMPION – From the Loyal Edmonton Regimental magazine the Fortyniner. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Newspaper clipping – News Clipping Mount Campion 2484M (8150 ft) - Located in the Little Berland River Valley at the head of Star Creek. Hoff Range, Willmore Park, Alberta. Major headwater Athabasca River. Lat: 53; 36; 05 Long: 118; 24; 00, Topo map 83E/89 Named in 1949. Campion, Corporal George (Acting Sgt/Cpl Campion was an Edmonton soldier who was killed during WWII.) Official name.

Press clipping – Magazine Clipping

Mount Campion – Mount Campion Mount Campion is located approximately 83 kilometres north-northwest of Jasper, in Willmore Park Alberta.

Medals – WWII Medals Left to right: Military Medal (MM), The 1939-1945 Star, The Italy Star, The Defence Medal, The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal w/bar, The War Medal 1939-1945

Grave marker