Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Awarded on:

June 15th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Awarded on:

September 23rd, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

"S" Company, 1st Parachute Battalion, 1st Parachute Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"At Arnhem on the morning of the 19th September Major Stark commanding S Company was given the task of advancing on the right of the main road towards the Pontoon Bridge. He was under heavy fire from high ground on the left, 20 mm on the right, infantry and armoured cars ahead. Under this withering fire he advanced 1500 yards to his objective and was able to cover the rest of the battalion forward. During this advance he personally led an assault against entrenched enemy positions and it was largely due to this action that the battalion was able to advance to its first bound. Despite heavy casualties he at all times showed such disregard to his personal safety as to inspire his men to reach a well-nigh impossible objective."