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

"PATARAKIS has been in the service of the Allied Mission in CRETE for over two years and has always proved himself a most valuable servant and courageous henchman. His loyalty is beyond question. When the abduction of Gen. KREIPE, Comd of 22 Panzer Gren. Div. stationed in CRETE, was being planned by Maj. LEIGH-FERMOR, PATARAKIS was selected as his principal Greek adviser and was brought to the MIDDLE EAST and specially trained for his task, including parachute-jumping.

On the night of the Operation he apprehended the General and superintended his being bound up and placed in the back of the car. He then took his place beside the General with a tommy gun and prevented his escape in the event of the car being stopped. He captained the party throughout the drive and through various German-controlled road blocks.

After abandoning the car he accompanied Capt. Moss and the General into the mountains and during the trying days which followed, before the evacuation of the party could be completed, he was of the greatest possible assistance in keeping up their morale and providing the wherewithal on which they lived.

It is recommended that his services should be awarded by the award of the Military Medal."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Force 133, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government