The Victoria Cross medal is awarded to soldiers who have performed above and beyond expectations in war. They risk, and sometimes give, their own lives to save the lives of others. Only 16 Canadians were awarded this medal during the Second World War. Some of these recipients include Charles Hoey, Charles Merritt, Andrew Mynarski, John Osborn, Ernest Smith, Frederick Topham, Ian Bazalgette, and Frederick Tilston. On February 16, 1944, “Major Hoey’s company was part of a force that had been ordered to seize a position at all costs” (Veterans Affairs, “Charles Ferguson Hoey,” 2014). The territory was well protected by fire of machine guns and rifles. Major Hoey led his company to their objective. Along the way, Major Hoey was shot at least twice in the leg and head, but still took a Bren gun from one of his men and. he fired from the hip. He continued very quickly and his team remained behind. Hoey captured the enemy's position first and killed all the enemy soldiers residing in that position, until Hoey was mortally wounded for his "exceptional gallantry and leadership, his utter disregard for personal safety, and his grim determination" (Veterans Affairs, "Charles Ferguson Hoey," 2014. Charles Cecil Ingersoll Merritt's battalion landed on Green Beach. To reach their objectives the battalion had to cross a heavily guarded bridge spanning the Scie River. German artillery, machine guns and mortars protected the bridge which stopped the battalion's movement. Merritt took command as he "in turn led the survivors of at least four parties across the bridge" (1942, p. 4323). From there, they eliminated several pillboxes and other enemy positions defending the bridge and successfully cleared a village. Even though he was... halfway there... Ilston was even worse wounded in the leg but refused medical attention until he explained his defense plan to the sole remaining officer and stressed the importance of holding the position. Only then did he relinquish command and hold the position of Tiltson's company. The Victoria Cross is only awarded to soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty. These soldiers risked (and some lost) their lives in battle for the sake of other soldiers. Those men were worthy of this medal and it was rightly given to them. Works CitedCanadian Virtual War Memorial. (2014, May 15). Veterans Affairs Canada. Retrieved May 27, 2014War Office. (1942, October 2). The London Gazette, p. 4323.Ministry of Air Force. (1946, October 11). The London Gazette, p. 5035.The Canadian Army. (1946, April 2). The London Gazette, p. 1617.War Office. (1945, May 22). The London Gazette, p.2607.