Private James Levene DCM

On the 3rd of June 1944, Pte Levene was bren gunner of the point section of the King's Coy (attd 1/Bn The Lancs Fusiliers) moving towards LOIHINCHE. The column had halted at the base of pt 1094 where the track split into 3 branches. Pte Levene suddenly spotted the enemy lying in wait on the right of the track some 15 yards away. He fired a full magazine at them inflicting several casualties before they replied. There is no doubt that but for Pte Leven's quick observation and prompt action the enemy would have inflicted heavy casualties upon his Pl. He then crossed a track covered by enemy fire and drove an enemy LMG from our right flank saving further casualties to our tps.

On the morning of the 18th June Pte Levene's Pl was leading the assault on NAUNGKAIKTAW. During the advance, ignoring heavy fire, he was always in the front. When his Pl was eventually halted owing to the Pl on the left being held up, he ran forward on to a bunker in an exposed position and killed six Japs as they attempted to withdraw. He then remained in this position cutting off one of their two lines of withdrawal and killed several more. There is no doubt that his gallant action enabled the Platoon to advance.

Later in the morning of 18 June Pte Levene and his section were sent to reinforce a platoon which was attacking and clearing NAUNGKAIKTAW and had suffered casualties. He was quite unshaken by earlier experiences and was keen to engage and kill more of the enemy.

He set an excellent example by his cool and fearless conduct throughout. He showed complete contempt of danger and exposed himself freely to enemy fire in order to use his bren to the best advantage and was invaluable in clearing further strongpoints and eventually putting surviving enemy to flight.

(Signed) W.P.Scott Lt.Col.
Commanding 1st Bn. The King's Regt.