Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

4th Parachute Battalion, 1st Parachute Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

November 9th, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Torch

"On the 10th July, 1943, Private Duncan on returning to his Camp near M'Saken, North Africa, after the postponement of an airborne operation, was removing primed grenades from his equipment in the company of a number of his comrades. One grenade fell to the ground and Private Duncan noticed that the safety pin was out. He could very easily have saved his own life either by running away or throwing the grenade clear. Seeing that this would have meant injuries being caused to the men standing near, he unhesitatingly flung himself on the ground and held the grenade until it burst.

By his very gallant action Private Duncan undoubtedly saved the life of his comrades at the cost of his own."

Posthumously awarded

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)