Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

4th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment, British Army

Awarded on:

March 1st, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Citation:
"Lieutenant McDermott after crossing the NEDER RIJN on night 24th/25th September 1944 led his platoon up the hill to his company objective where a sharp engagement took place. The platoon suffered heavy casualties and Lieutenant McDermott reorganised the remainder and took up a defensive position in a house which he held until the following night when he received the order to withdraw. As there was insufficient accommodation in the boat evacuating his party he put his men in the boat and himself swam back across the river. On the night of the 27th he volunteered to cross again in a reconnaissance boat and search the woods for any parties of the regiment who might still be left, and organise their evacuation. He penetrated the enemy's lines and searched the objectives which had been given to the two left hand companies. He spent over an hour and a quarter searching the woods which were now strongly held by the enemy."