Lieutenant (temp. Capt.) A.B. Whitehead M.C.

On 22 May 44, Capt. WHITEHEAD with his Coy HQ and 1 platoon were ordered to take an exposed ridge south of the Stronghold. His orders were to hold it until enemy opposition became too strong, and then to withdraw. A strong enemy force many times his number attacked this area at 1700 hours 22 May, and the ridge he was defending was heavily shelled, mortared and machine gunned. Capt. WHITEHEAD defended this position for 20 hours against repeated attacks until his ammunition ran out. At this moment a stray parachute dropped in his area with more ammunition and he continued the fight for 4 hours more.

He finally evacuated the position with 1 officer and 12 men, plus 2 wounded, breaking through the enemy ring which had surrounded him and reporting back to his coln. The holding of this position by this small force proved a large thorn in the enemy's side in his first attack from the south, and contributed in no small measure to the failure of the attack. During this prolonged engagement with the enemy, as in previous engagements, Capt WHITEHEAD's leadership, courage and complete disregard of personal danger were an inspiring example to all ranks.

(Signed) J.Masters, Major,
A/Comd. 'Profound'
29 May 44.