Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance-Sergeant

Unit:

2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, 1st Guards Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 7th, 1944

"L/Sgt. McPhail was commanding the leading section during the assault on Point 501 (Monte Lignano) on 15th July 1944. Nearing the crest he led his men on in the face of heavy Spandau and small arms fire; at a crucial moment of the battle realising that most of the fire came from a strongly reinforced German dugout, L/Sgt. McPhail ran out into the open and fired two bombs from the PIAT at a distance of only twenty yards, effectively silencing the strong point, thus enabling the Platoon to take position.

Later in the battle he commanded the Platoon when Officer casualties occurred and showed outstanding leadership and was an inspiration to the Guardsmen. The prompt action, coolness and utter disregard for his own personal safety undoubtedly prevented the surviving Germans from putting in a counter attack."