John Downey MM
Citation re the award of the Military Medal to Acting Sgt Major John Joseph Downey from the London Gazettes:
Arakan 1945.
On 23rd January 1945 at Kangaw Hill 170 (map ref 515414 Myebon Sheet East 1/25,000)A/Sgt Major Downey was in a key trench which was fiercely attacked for 2 hours by night. Early on he was wounded with multiple grenade wounds of the back and sniper fire penetrating the base of his forehead and through the nose. All the occupants of the trench were wounded. He helped evacuate 2 casualties and withdrew. He then, although in great pain and under heavy MMG and grenade fire at point blank range, went forward and brought in a casualty wounded in both legs. He refused treatment for his wounds until all other casualties had been dealt with and remained in action until 5 hours later with the situation completely in hand he was ordered out of battle (L.G.19.4.45)
Photo cropped from the No.1 Cdo panorama photo originally provided courtesy of Harry Winch of 2 troop No.1 Cdo.
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