Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major

Awarded on:

February 21st, 1946

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major

Awarded on:

1946

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 9 September 1943, near Salerno, Italy. Major Eric S. Kearsley, British Army, accompanied his commanding officer on a reconnaissance to select positions to prevent enemy penetration along a highway into town. Having found suitable sites, they sent their vehicle back to collect company guides. When the vehicle on its return trip was stopped by a road block, they realized that they were behind enemy lines. A decision was made to return, working their way around the enemy flank, but Major Kearsley elected to remain with the hope of rescuing his men. Within a few minutes, using only his revolver, he captured three members of the road block crew who were moving back from their position and, shortly after, five others who followed. He then advanced on the road block and captured the three remaining Germans, killing one who had fired upon him. Directing the German driver to attach the crew's weapon to the captured half-track, he ordered the prisoners into the vehicle and, sitting in its rear, returned to the safety of his lines, towing an 88-mm gun and carrying 10 prisoners and 3 machine guns. Major Kearsley's courageous and heroic actions reflect credit on himself and the military service."

War Department, General Orders No. 38