Home ❯ Military Awards ❯ Awardees ❯ DCM
[Transcript of Recommendation of Award]
Brigade
Division
Unit
Date of
Recommendation
Regtl. No.
Rank and Name
Action for which recommended -
During the action at HENU on March 17th 1944 throughout the day this NCO showed remarkable courage and initiative of the highest order. In the attack on HENU HILL he was well in front leading his platoon. He was an excellent example to his men attacking the enemy where they were found and leading his men at an MMG post and ultimately capturing it. He went into the village throwing his grenades and firing his sten, oblivious to all dangers. He went right into the enemy positions and rescued one of our own NCO who was seriously wounded. This action was carried out under the very noses of the enemy who were firing at him.
This NCO was a great inspiration to his men throughout the whole day. In the counterattack he was wounded but refused to come back until the hill was consolidated.
During the attack on our positions from 12th April 1944 until 15/16th April, this NCO continually did excellent work. During the final attack in which the enemy penetrated the position held by this NCO, he held his ground despite enemy superiority of numbers and continued to fire and throw grenades always moving from Section to Section inspiring his men and issuing reserve grenades and ammunition.
At all times he showed complete disregard for his own safety despite very heavy enemy fire which was concentrated on his position.
This Platoon in this last action killed approx. 100 Japs with a loss of 3 B.O.Rs. killed and 10 wounded. It was partly due to this Platoon Sgt. that the position held until a conter-attack was put in.
(Signed) R. Degg, Lt.Col.
Commanding 1 S.Staffords R.
Lt. Col. R. Degg
Comd. 1 S. Staffords. Regt.
Honour or Reward
Signed By
W. Lentaigne, Major General
Comd 3 Ind.Div.
W.J.Slim Lieut-Gen
G.O.C-in-Chief, Fourteenth Army
G. Giffard, General
C-in-C 11 Army Group
(London Gazette 27.07.1944)