Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

5 Platoon, B Company, 3rd Parachute Battalion.

Awarded on:

April 22nd, 1943

Recommendation:
"For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 26 Feb 43 at RACOUBET EL ARAAN, BOU ARADA (Tunesia sheet 41 7079). During a strong attack by the enemy who had overrun one of our postiions, Sjt McDonnell went forward alone, under heavy machine gun fire, and recaptured the post, capturing five of the enemy together with the M.G. Meanwhile another party of the enemy had worked round his right flank to surround him. Indicating the traget to his section, who pinned them to the ground, he dashed forward and killed all except one whom he took prisoner. Continuing up the hill, he led his section under intense M.G. fire and captured another M.G. post, turning the captured M.G. onto Pt 375 from which at least 3 M.Gs were firing. Without hesitation he attacked this nest with grenades, silenced the M.G., and killed or captured all the occupants, thereby enabling the counter attack force to continue and regain all positions. Observing large numbers of enemy withdrawing, he doubled his section down the hill, and although suffering losses from heavy enemy fire, he succeeded in compelling large number to surrender in spite of the fact that by this time his ammunition was exhausted.
Previously on 24 Feb 43 in the same area his platoon was attakced by a strong patrol which was driven off. As soon as he saw that the patrol was withdrawing this N.C.O. without hesitation and entirely alone, at point blank range, jumped our wire and ran after them and compelled two to surrender. The bravery and initiative displayed by this N.C.O. on these and other occasions have been an inspiriation to all ranks."

LG 35978/1846.