Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance-Corporal

Unit:

No. 6 Troop, No. 2 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

July 5th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Chariot

"L/Cpl. Arthur Young was a member of an assault party commanded by Capt. M.C. Burn of No.2 Commando. This party was on board an ML which caught fire, and exploded as a result of heavy enemy fire. Those of the party who were not killed were thrown into the River Loire, and proceeded to swim to the shore.
L/Cpl. Young, although wounded in the foot, was with some difficulty able to swim with the others. He saw Capt. Burn in difficulties and about to drown. L/Cpl. Young managed to grasp this officer by the hair and commence to haul him towards the shore.
The enemy was firing machine guns at the swimmers and L/Cpl. Young had to submerge several times to avoid being hit. He carried on and got Capt. Burn ashore. This officer recovered quickly and was able to join in the fighting.
L/Cpl. Young by his action and disregard of his own plight was largely responsible for saving Captain Burn's life."