The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Walsh, Joseph Rank: Guardsman Service No: 2612263 Regiment: 6 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 29 June 1944 Date 1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/6 201st Guards Independent Brigade, 5th Division, 10 Corps 2612263 Guardsman, Unpaid Lance-Corporal) Joseph WALSH, 6th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS TRIMONSUOLI, 30th January / 31st January 1944. At TRINONSUOLI on 30th January 1944 Lance-Corporal WALSH was acting as Second-in-Command of his section. The Company position had been subjected to heavy shelling, mortaring and machine gun fire for several days. This N.C.O.'s Section Commander was badly shell shocked and Lance-Corporal WALSH, although himself suffering from the effects of blast, took command of the Section. The Platoon area was being rendered almost untenable by a machine gun post on a hill which overlooked our positions. This N.C.O. asked for and obtained permission from his Company Commander to deal with this post. After a well planned and skilfully executed approach, he led his Section in the assault with great dash and gallantry, knocked out the gun and took the crew prisoner. On a later occasion, this N.C.O. volunteered to help destroy another machine gun post. This attack was led by his Platoon Commander who was killed in the final stages of the assault. Without hesitation this N.C.O. took charge and pressed home the attack with great courage and determination, knocked out the gun and killed the crew. Throughout the action, which lasted for several days this N.C.O. displayed great devotion to duty and courage of the highest order. After his Section Commander had been evacuated, he commanded the Section with great skill and determination. Although he had been partially knocked out by a near miss his courage and willingness never faltered. He was of the greatest assistance to his Platoon and Company Commander and his example was an inspiration to all ranks. Signed W. KINGSMILL, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 6th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS Granted an Immediate M.M.
