Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class

Unit:

Battalion Headquarters, 2nd Parachute Battalion, 1st Parachute Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

March 23rd, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry, and devotion to duty. Since joining this Battalion in February 1943 Captain Egan has fulfilled his duties as Battalion Chaplain with courage and determination. During the heavy fighting in the Northern Sector in Tunisia in March 1943 he was often in the forefront of the battle, comforting the wounded and encouraging all ranks under heavy fire.

On the night July 13-14th 1943 this officer took part in a parachute operation South of Catania in Sicily and was dropped among enemy positions many miles from the remainder of the Battalion. He collected a small party of parachute troops. After laying up in the near vicinity of the German positions he managed to extricate his party. By cool leadership and initiative he conducted it over difficult country and through the enemy lines, eventually reaching the British positions with his complete party."