Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

No. 3 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

April 3rd, 1942

Awarded for:

Operation Archery

Amost immediately after landing at Vaagso in South Norway Cpl Firtzpatrick was acting as leading scout to his section the advance was held up by a wire obstacle covered by heavy enemy fire. Cpl Firtzpatrick without hesitation moved forward alone and cut a gap through the wire, thus allowing the advance to continue without loss of time.the moment was somewhat critical as a hold up in the early stages might have had serious delaying affects on the operation as a whole. Cpl Firtzpatrick's coolness and presence of mind quite definitely prevented any such delays occuring.