Joseph Gregory

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Corporal Joseph A. Gregory ("Joe") was a Canadian sniper during the Second World War.

He enlisted in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and was a veteran of the First World War. Credited with several kills, he participated in the Dieppe Raid where he lost an eye. He became a cause celebre after his return to Canada and was employed in Canadian Army recruiting.

He was featured in TIME magazine's October 26, 1942 issue, as well as the December 1 Hamilton Spectator.

[edit] Award

Joseph Gregory was awarded the Military Medal.

GREGORY, Joseph Arthur, Corporal (L.12057) - Military Medal - Infantry (South Saskatchewan Regiment) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 10 October 1942; confirmed by CARO/3580 dated 2 September 1943, "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe." Labourer; wife living in Calgary; enlisted in Weyburn, 7 September 1939. His previous military service was recorded as "April 1915 to the end of the war, France, Sniper."

During the operation at Dieppe, 19 August 1942, Corporal Gregory was a sniper and scout attached to Battalion Headquarters. On four occasions although under fire and observation he made lone trips into enemy sniper positions that were causing casualties at Battalion Headquarters. On each occasion he killed the enemy sniper. In between these sorties Corporal Gregory kept the defences of Battalion Headquarters organized and although he lost an eye during the action continued with his duties until the final withdrawal to the beach. His courageous devotion to duty was of inestimable value in the defence of Battalion Headquarters.^[1]