Tyrakis, Georgios

Nationality:: Greek

Biography

Georgios Tyrakis served in the Greek army and fought on the Albanian front and during the Battle of Crete in 1941 (5th Crete Division). After the fall of Crete to German hands, Tyrakis joined the resistance and was recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE). He was one of the kidnappers of German General Kreipe in 1944.

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Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Corporal
Unit:: Force 133, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:: July 12th, 1945
Awarded for:: Bricklayer

"TYRAKIS has been a trusted messenger and guide to the ALMILMISS since Aug. /43.

He was selected to accompany Capt. MOSS on the operation which planned to abduct Gen. KREIPE, Comd. 22 Panzer Grenadier Div. His actual task was to assist Capt. MOSS to get the driver out of the driving seat and, having bound him, to hand him over to the waiting escort. He did this with complete success and then took his place in the back of the car with Gen. KREIPE and, armed with a Tommy-gun, he and PATARAKIS provided the escort for the General to make sure that he did not escape at any of the numerous road blocks which the party knew they would have to pass before reaching the mountains.

After Capt. MOSS with the General had left the car, TYRAKIS accompanied Maj. LEIGH-FERMOR to the point where the car was finally abandoned. Then he set off on foot to rejoin the main party.

For his valuable services to the Allied Mission in CRETE and for the part he played so courageously in this particular Operation, TYRAKIS is recommended for the Immediate Award of the Military Medal."