Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

The Durham Light infantry

Awarded on:

June 17th, 1943

Citation:
"In the MARETH LINE on the 20th March 1943 Private Michael was a section leader in a platoon which was advancing to capture an enemy position which included three pillboxes and a trench system. His platoon commander had been injured on a mine and his platoon sergeant was in command. Extremely heavy artillery, M.G. and mortar fire was encountered. Private Michael was responsible for clearing, initially the pillboxes. On the following day, it became obvious that the enemy were maintaining M.G. and sniper posts from trenches. A number of times Private Michael led attacks on the pillboxes in which the enemy had organised small pockets of resistance. Two days later a withdrawl order having been received, Private Michael's section covered a flank, enabling two companies to withdraw in comparative safety. In this, his section was instrumental in drawing enemy fire upon themselves, to facilitate this withdrawl. Private Michael's conduct throughout was of the highest order. His leadership and dash contributed very largely to his platoon maintaining its hold on a very difficult objective."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

The Durham Light infantry

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Citation:
"On 11th June 44 at ST PIERRE Cpl Michael's company was ordered to restore the situation on the right flank of the Bn which had been pushed back as a result of an enemy counter attack. Cpl Michael's platoon commander was killed and his platoon Sgt missing. Cpl Michael immediately took over command and under extremely heavy M.G. and arty fire continued to lead his platoon forward, twice they were pinned to the ground by fire but each time Cpl Michael found a way round until their objective was reached. Here he immediately organised the defence of the position which was successfully held. Cpl Michael throughout the action displayed great personal courage and fine powers of leadership and it was due to his actions and personal example that the task was successfully accomplished."

Second MM awarded as a bar.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)