A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM JOHN HART AND THE FSSF ASSOCIATION.



    Daniel Serrick served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNR) from 1937-38 and enlisted in the Second Battalion Manchester Regiment (MG) (B Company) on September 21st, 1938. He was evacuated from Dunkirk May 31st, 1940.

    Daniel then volunteered with the First Special Service Force, Second Company, First Regiment from August 1942 to December 1944 and successfully completed his training and joined the First Special Service Force in Kiska and Italian Theatre. On April 23rd, 1944 S. Sgt. Serrick while leading a patrol at the Anzio Beach Head in search of a wounded comrade within enemy fire range, left his patrol with the help of a medic, both unarmed, through flat mined terrain, came under enemy machine gun fire which wounded the aid man. Staff Sergeant Serrick under a hail of machine gun fire helped the wounded aid back to the protection of a canal. He then returned alone to search for the wounded comrade, while under heavy artillery fire. He returned back to his patrol and under the cover of darkness, Staff Sergeant Serrick returned for a third time and did not return until convinced that the search was not in vain.

    His inspiring act of courage and devotion earned him the Silver Star which was awarded to Staff Sergeant Serrick posthumously. Staff Sergeant Serrick was killed in action on May 29th, 1944 at the age of 23 years.
    Medals awarded posthumously to to SSgt. Daniel Serrick. From left to right: The 1939-1945 Star, The Italy Star, The Defense Medal, The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, The War Medal 1939-1945, Silver Star United States - posthumously awarded, for gallantry having been shown in action near Cerreto Alto, Italy, April 23rd, 1944).
    Image: Veterans Affairs Canada.
    SSgt. Daniel Serrick
    wearing his beret c.a. 1943.
    Image: Veterans Affairs Canada.