Complex sentence: Alan Arnett McLeod, VC (20 April 1899--6 November 1918) was a Canadian soldier, aviator, and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Split into simpler sentences: Alan Arnett McLeod VC (20 April 1899--6 November 1918) was a Canadian soldier. McLeod was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.