Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Captain

Unit:

Battalion Headquarters, 2nd Parachute Battalion, 1st Parachute Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 23rd, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

Citation:
"For devotion to duty and outstanding determination. On the night of July 13th/14th 1943, this officer took part in a parachute operation in Sicily and was dropped 25 miles away from the proper dropping zone and on the lava slopes of Mount Etna behind the enemy lines. On dropping he was badly shaken and concussed.
On coming to, he managed to collect three other members of his section and searched for the remainder, but was unsuccessful. Despite the acute shortage of food and by the greatest determination, this officer then existed for 23 days in close proximity to German positions and an enemy camp.
During this time he attacked and harried enemy transport causing casualties and interfered with communications and water supply. On several occasions he had to evade enemy search patrols. By his action he has set an example which can never be excelled and seldom equalled."