Sergeant Charles McCluskey M.M.

On 10 Jun 1944, Sgt. McCluskey was ordered to take two infantry sections from his platoon and carry out an offensive patrol in the valley east of the KYSENLEI PASS. The patrol encountered enemy in position in an unnamed village near KONTHA and came under heavy and and accurate fire, which wounded Sgt. McCluskey and caused other casualties in the patrol. In spite of his wound, however, Sgt. McCluskey retained full control of his small force and hotly engaged the enemy, and only when it became apparent that the enemy was present in considerably superior force did he start to organise a withdrawal. This he did with inspiring coolness and disregard for his personal safety going from one section to another and organising the evacuation of our wounded. While engaged on this task Sgt. McCluskey was again severely wounded, but although in considerable pain, continued to retain full control of his force.

Sgt. McCluskey had for some weeks been in command of a Platoon and has on many occasions shown himself to be an outstanding leader, while his conduct on10 June was beyond all praise. He has previously served with distinction in the Carrier Platoon in CRETE and TOBRUK.