Career
Mr. de Vries served with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, parachuting into Normandy on Doctorate-Day and later parachuting across the Rhine River into Germany on March 24, 1945. He was wounded in action by a German sniper in July 1944, however had returned to combat by September, 1944. He served as a President of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Association for 12 years.
Under his leadership, the Association installed memorial plaques in Europe to commemorate their fallen comrades.
Additionally, de Vries served on the Advisory Board of the Canadian Airborne Forces Museum as well as on the Board of the Canadian Airborne Forces Association. His efforts contributed to the successful opening of the Juno Beach Centre.
