The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Heath, William Rank: Guardsman Service No: 2620653 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 2620653 Guardsman William HEATH, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS During the ANZIO Bridgehead operations, this Guardsman was a Bren gunner in No. 9 Platoon and was consistently an inspiration and example to the Platoon. On one occasion while the Platoon was being very heavily engaged he kept his Bren gun firing with such good effect that an enemy platoon threatening the flank was completely broken up; fifteen being killed. Later, during a night of persistent German attacks, he moved out of his slit trench in order to bring fire onto the enemy crawling towards the positions. Only complete disregard of personal safety enabled this Guardsman to produce such effective results with his gun. On another occasion, the night of 9th February, Guardsman HEATH again was largely responsible for breaking up two attacks on his Platoon position by his coolness and extreme skill with which he handled his Bren gun. Signed E.J.B. NELSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS Granted an Immediate M.M.