- SURNAME
O'Brien
- FORENAME
Richard
- UNIT
2 Commando
- RANK
Lance Sergeant + Sergeant
- NUMBER
5340890
- AWARD
Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal
- PLACE
Norway 1942 (DCM) Italy 1943 (MM)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Royal Berkshire Regiment
CITATION:
Distinguished Conduct Medal : Sjt. O'Brien was one of the detachment of 2 Commando on Operation 'MUSKETOON'. This highly successful operation resulted in the destruction of the important electric power plant at GLOMFJORD in NORWAY on the night of the 20th October, 1942. Sjt. O'Brien throughout showed great skill and resolution. He helped recconoitre the difficult mountain crossing from the landing place to the objective and personally laid the charge which destroyed the pipe-line. He then made his escape, spending, in all, twelve days in enemy-occupied country. When suffering from sickness, privation and exhaustion he showed remarkable endurance and determination.
Military Medal : At the battle of SALERNO on 10-11th Sep 43 and DRAGONE HILL 13 Sep and PIEGOLETTE 15 - 18 Sep 43, this N.C.O. showed complete disregard for personal safety.
On the morning of 10 Sep 43 he went forward to contact a missing section under heavy fire and lead them to safety. Later, in the battle at PIEGOLETTE after his Troop leader has been killed he had a patrol in daylight through the enemy lines and brought back valuable information and a prisoner. He then took charge of the Troop after all four of his officers had become casualties.
Military Medal : At the battle of SALERNO on 10-11th Sep 43 and DRAGONE HILL 13 Sep and PIEGOLETTE 15 - 18 Sep 43, this N.C.O. showed complete disregard for personal safety.
On the morning of 10 Sep 43 he went forward to contact a missing section under heavy fire and lead them to safety. Later, in the battle at PIEGOLETTE after his Troop leader has been killed he had a patrol in daylight through the enemy lines and brought back valuable information and a prisoner. He then took charge of the Troop after all four of his officers had become casualties.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7349006https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7395478
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