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Profumo, John Dennis "Jack", 5th Baron Profumo

Date of birth:
January 30th, 1915 (Kensington/London, United Kingdom)
Date of death:
March 10th, 2006 (Londen, United Kingdom)
Service number:
92407
Nationality:
British

Biography

1st July 1939: Second Lieutenant

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Awarded on:
September 23rd, 1943
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
GSOI(Air), Headquarters, Allied Armies in Italy (AAI), Allied Force Headquarters (AFHQ), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
December 21st, 1944
"Lieut Col PROFUMO had hold the appointment of GSOI(Air) at this HQ since November 1943. During this period he has perfected the methods of Army Air support for the FIFTH (US) Army and EIGHTH Army.
During the re-grouping of the Armies in ITALY prior to the present offensive it was a difficult and intricate problem to ensure Army Air support. That it was successfully achieved was due in great part to this officer's untiring zeal and ability.
The re-grouping of the Armies necessitated, if proper Air Support was to be given during the offensive that both Armies should be supported by one Air Force. Different procedure and the amalgamation of British and American resources had to be fused into one to ensure success. That this was achieved was due to Lt. Col. PROFUMO's outstanding organising ability coupled with this initiative and tact in dealing with the innumerable difficulties that had to be overcome.
The excellent Army Air support that was available to the Amies has had no small part in the success of the present operations."
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
"For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations in Italy from 17 December 1944 to 2 May 1945. The Chief of the Air Liaison Subsection of the G-3 Section of Headquarters 15th Army Group, Lieutenant Colonel Profumo, in a tactful and outstanding manner, coordinated the request from two allied armies for medium and heavy air support of ground operations. During the winter planning period of 1944-1945 he skillfully and in great detail arranged for maximum air efforts on tactical targets at crucial moments. The successful execution of three air missions during the Allied Spring offensive in 1945 is a tribute to the harmonious and cooperative spirit, fostered by Lieutenant Colonel Profumo in his daily contacts with officers and men of many nationalities in both ground and air units. By his untiring energy, quick grasp of tactical requirements and his willingness to short-cut routine to achieve vital results all combined to win Lieutenant Colonel Profumo the admiration and respect of his fellow workers, and to effect an outstanding contribution to Allied Air and ground successes in North Italy. Entered service from Leamington Spa, England."
Awarded on:
June 14th, 1975
For services at Toynbee Hall.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

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