Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion, 5th Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

February 1st, 1945

"This soldier was one of the parachutists who landed behind the German lines in NORMANDY on the night 5/6 June 1944. During the next five weeks he was in almost continuous action of a most trying and difficult nature. Cornell was a company runner and has repeatedly carried messages through the most heavy and accurate enemy mortar and MG fire. Four times wounded in action this soldier has never been evacuated and carried on with his job cheerfully and efficiently. Very many acts of gallantry have been performed by members of the battalion but for sustained courage nothing surpasses Cornell's effort. His courage and many wounds have made him a well known and admired character throughout not only his own battalion but also the whole brigade. Space does not permit a record of all his feats as he distinguished himself in practically every action and fighting took place daily. On 18th June 1944 his company carried out a raid on a strong enemy position in the BOIS DE BAVENT area. The position was stronger than expected and the company was hard pressed and the wireless set destroyed. Cornell was sent back with a verbal message, he was wounded during the journey but carried on and delivered his message correctly and set off with the reply. He was wounded a second time on his return journey but again carried on nd again delivered the message correctly. During the remainder of this raid, despite his two wounds, he was outstanding for his courage and dash. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Cornel on this one occasion was an inspiration to all who witnessed it. He has performed similar runs on countless occasions and, as has been pointed out before, has been wounded twice more but is still the runner of his company and is as cheerful as before.

On 10th July 1944 his company again carried out a raid on the same area and again as usual, Cornell's complete disregard for his own safety became the chief topic of discussion amongst his fellow soldiers.

He has never failed to deliver a message correctly despite the fact that he has usually carried it through a perfect hail of enemy mortar bombs and shells and very frequently aimed MG fire as well.

He is a truly magnificent parachutist and I cannot recommend him too strongly for a decoration."

Published in the Supplement to the London Gazette issue 36917 dated 1 February 1945.