Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Warrant Officer 1st Class

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

July 5th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Chariot

"During the Commando raid on St Nazaire on 28th March 1942 the motor launch in which RSM Moss was travelling was set on fire by enemy shore guns. The troops on board, many of whom were badly wounded, were forced to abandon ship.
Whilst RSM Moss was sitting on and propelling a Carley float, upon which there were already several wounded men, he sighted another wounded soldier in the water who was in danger of drowning.
RSM Moss left the float, dragged the wounded soldier from the water and gave him his own place on the float. Thereupon he proceeded to tow the float along by swimming in front of it, in a determined effort to bring his wounded comrades to safety.
It was whilst performing this gallant and self sacrificing action that RSM Moss gave his own life, that the lives of others may be saved."

Posthumously awarded