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John Weir Foote, V.C. 1904-1988

The only chaplain in World War II to receive the Victoria Cross, Foote was born and raised in Madoc. He entered the Presbyterian ministry in 1934 and enlisted in the Canadian Chaplain Service five years later. Assigned to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Foote distinguished himself during the ill-fated Dieppe Raid on August 19, 1942. Acting with utter disregard for his personal safety, he ministered to the wounded and carried injured personnel from exposed positions on the beach to first aid posts and landing craft, all while under heavy enemy fire. Ultimately, he was taken prisoner because he refused to abandon those who could not be evacuated. For his courageous actions Foote was awarded the Victoria Cross, the British Commonwealth's highest military decoration for valour.

Location

In Thomas Thompson Memorial Park, also known as Cenotaph Park, St. Lawrence Street East, Madoc

Region: Eastern Ontario

County/District: County of Hastings

Municipality: Municipality of Centre Hastings

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