Sgt. Ernest ‘Smokey’ Smith, Canada's last living VC recipient passed away last week. He is to receive a full military funeral in Vancouver with a procession through the downtown core.

Smith received his VC for practically single handedly stopping a German counter attack at the Savio River, Italy in 1944. He destroyed a Panther with a PIAT and kept its infantry support at bay with a 'Tommy' gun.

Perhaps I missed the posting of this information as I have been beyond computer or other electronic communication for a week or so. No search I ran on this site turned up any information on his passing.

Any man who could take out a Panther with a PIAT, probably one of the worst anti-tank weapons ever used in terms of recoil, and short range - HAS WELL EARNED THE VICTORIA CROSS!

Sgt. Smith - Gods Speed and well done.