Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

1st Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

April 12th, 1945

Citation:
"For the attack on the strongly held Monte Cece feature 'A' Company, to which Sgt. Emery belonged, was allotted the task of capturing and holding the right end of the summit. The going was hard, due to mud and pouring rain, and the climb from the start line to the crest extremely steep, When 20 yards from the crest the leading platoon was halted by concentrated fire from four spandaus firing from the summit. Sgt. Emery, who was acting platoon commander, as his platoon commander had been wounded, was ordered to take his platoon through the leading platoon and assault the crest. He complied with this order immediately and with himself in the van, he led the platoon on to and over the crest, accounting for at least one spandau crew either killed or wounded who fell to his own Tommy gun. The assault was entirely successful and was in a very large part due to this N.C.O's outstanding dash and courage in the face of withering enemy M.G. fire. Sgt. Emery immediately reorganised and consolidated his platoon, which had suffered heavy casualties. Almost before this was completed the enemy counter-attacked with some 15-20 men. Once again Sgt. Emery immediately took up a position in front of his platoon, and although exposed to heavy enemy small arms fire engaged the attackers with Tommy gun and directed the fire of his platoon to such effect that the counter-attack was quickly and completely broken and the enemy withdrew leaving a number of dead and wounded. Throughout the whole action, which lasted until the early morning of 9th October, Sgt. Emery displayed not only the highest qualities of leadership and devotion to duty, but also showed an utter disregard for his own safety during a time of extreme danger. When not engaged actively in attacking and directing fire onto the enemy Sgt. Emery was a constant source of encouragement and cheerfulness to his men, moving amongst them and directing the evacuation of the wounded. There is no doubt that it was in a very large part due to Sgt. Emery's conspicuous bravery that the assault on Monte Cece was a success."

The Regiment suffered 72 casualties during the attack on Monte Cece, of which 2 officers and 12 other ranks were killed. Private Richard Burton
was awarded the Victoria Cross
for his conspicuous gallantry during the attack, his citation being of a similar nature to that of Sergeant Emery. Monte Cece is commemorated as a Battle Honour on the Regimental Colour.

Awarded on:

December 31st, 1982