The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Thorman, Wallace William Rank: Guardsman Service No: 2623394 Regiment: 5 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 15 June 1944 Date 1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/6 LG - Viewing Page 2853 of Issue 36563 24th Guards Brigade, 1st Division, 6 Corps 2623394 Guardsman Wallace William THORMAN, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS In the ANZIO Bridgehead on the night of 7th February / 8th February 1944 Battalion H.Q., after three rifle Companies had been destroyed, was heavily attacked by the enemy. The Battalion H.Q. was in a Gully. The enemy had penetrated to the ridge overlooking this position and were throwing hand grenades on to the Command Post. Guardsman THORMAN and four others were sent to clear the enemy from this cliff. They succeeded in doing this. A few minutes later the enemy renewed their attempts to regain this position. Guardsman THORMAN and the others immediately engaged them with their Tommy guns and when the weapons of two of the party failed Guardsman THORMAN remained alone engaging while the remainder withdrew. By this action he not only allowed his companions to withdraw safely but he also gained sufficient time to allow the Command Post to be moved unhindered to a more advantageous position. Signed E.J.B. NELSON, M.C., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS Granted an Immediate M.M.