Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 2 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, 24th Guards Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

June 15th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Shingle

"This NCO has commanded a platoon of No.2 Company since the Battalion landed on the beaches, he has been through every action fought by the Battalion and has on all occasions distinguished himself by his skill, fine leadership and personal courage.

In the night attack, January 29/30 made by this Battalion, in repelling enemy attacks by day and by night, in hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy, under heavy shell and mortar and SAA fire and in eliminating enemy snipers and MG posts, he has set an example of rugged determination and stoical indifference to the worst that the enemy could do that was an example and encouragement which the men under his command were proud to follow.

On the night of February 21/22 when No.2 Company was taking over positions from Americans, his platoon came under heavy shell-fire and MG fire from nearby enemy positions. Sergeant GUNDEL kept complete control of the situation, encouraged the covering LMG fire which disposed of the MG's and led his platoon to the forward positions allotted to them. There they found there were no positions prepared so Sergeant GUNDEL with two LMG gunners protected the remainder of the platoon while they dug in, successfully beating back the German patrols which attempted to infiltrate. By dawn the platoon was successfully established and for 4 days until relieved, held their positions against constant enemy efforts to dislodge them both by day and by night. Owing to the original small numbers of the company and the daily casualties there could be little rest for anyone and none for Sergeant GUNDEL, but his energy and determination were as unfailing as his personal conduct was gallant. On two successive nights he went forward himself to destroy enemy snipers that had been located by day on 200 yds. from his Company position and by his successful elimination of them discouraged the Germans as much as he encouraged his platoon and company.

In view of this NCO's long record of devoted and gallant service in Tunisia and Italy and his particularly conspicuous gallantry between 21/25 February, I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the DCM.



Immediate D.C.M.