Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Captain

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

December 23rd, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and initiative in action. On the 14th of July 1943. The officer was in company with a part of the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment which had been dropped on the Catania Plain in Sicily, to secure the high ground South of the River Simeto. On two occasions this officer led small parties to deal with enemy Machine Gun positions and killing or capturing the crews. Later this officer single handed captured an enemy howitzer together with ammunition, he organised a gun crew from the men of the Battalion and directed fire from this weapon on to the enemy. Throughout the action he displayed great courage under heavy fire and complete contempt for danger."