| Rank | Sergeant, Staff Sergeant (M.M.) |
| Service # | A99497 |
| Unit # | R.C.E. and M.E., R.C.O.C. |
| Resident | 28 Duluth St., Chatham |
At his enlistment he was serving in the Cdn. Armoured Corps Work Shop. The son of Mrs. J. R. McCoig of 17 Second St., Chatham, his father had passed away. He was married and his wife was residing in Alaska.
James “enlisted in the R.C.O.C., Friday 13th Friday 1941” CDN 27/08/42. The articles “Lucky Soldier” went on to say James had informed his wife that he had arrived overseas safely. Sgt. McCoig was reported returning to Toronto after a short leave to visit his mother. CDN 25/06/42.
Trained in Canada one year. Went overseas and served in Sicily, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and England. Promoted to the rank of Private, then to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Was awarded the Military Medal. Was wounded by about the face.
The CDN 10/04 and 13/04/44 reported that S/Sgt. McCoig had been presented with the Military Medal in December of 1943. He had been in Italy for a year. He had also received a pin and ribbon for ‘good conduct” during his 16 months of service.
The official description of the action is as follows:
Armament Staff Sergeant James Alexander McCoig of Second St. A99479 Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps: On the night of Nov. 28-29, 1943 this N.C.O. was engaged on Special work on the Sangro River crossing. During this period an ammunition column parked on the lateral road was shelled and two vehicles set on fire both loaded with ammunition.
Armament S-Sgt. McCoig realizing the danger involved from spreading flames made strenuous efforts to put out the fire by means of foam extinguishers. He was successful in extricating one vehicle but was forced to leave due to exploding ammunition.
When the fire died down he drove his tractor to the scene and cleared the road of debris.
During the entire period the area was being shelled by the enemy. His determination and utter disregard of personal safety prevented the fire damage spreading; furthermore he cleared the road for urgent traffic to proceed.
The manner which he carried out his work was splendid example of courage and a rare sense duty that calls of for special praise in.
Discharged November 1945.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | CFF-FD44, IODE (P), CDN(5), KCFA |
| Birthplace | Chatham, Ontario |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| When Enlisted | June 6th, 1940 |
| Next of Kin | Wife- Mrs. Ella McCoig |
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