2621950 Joseph Patrick CHRISCOLI, MM, 3 Grenadier Guards

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Chriscoli, Joseph Patrick
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 2621950
Regiment: 3 Battalion Grenadier Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Military Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 February 1945
Date 1944-1945
Catalogue reference WO 373/9

1st Guards Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, 13 Corps
2621950 Lance-Corporal Joseph Patrick CHRISCOLI, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS

On the morning of the 17th September 1944 in the attack on M. PESCHIENA (Map Ref. R.0789) by 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, Lance-Corporal CHRISCOLI was commanding a Section of the leading Platoon and was ordered to wipe out an enemy Machine Gun post.

He succeeded in skilfully infiltrating his Section to within ten yards of the enemy and then rushed in himself, personally killing two and capturing five Germans. His Section was then ordered forward to cover the Platoon digging in on the captured objective and during this period the enemy made two attempts to counter-attack the position. These attempts were preceded by heavy and accurate shelling and mortaring.

By his resolute leadership and determination all attempts to recapture the key position by the enemy were frustrated and Lance-Corporal CHRISCOLI's Section accounted for several killed and wounded Germans, the remainder flying in disorder.

Throughout the action Lance-Corporal CHRISCOLI paid no regard to his own safety and his skill and courage were largely responsible for the capturing of this important feature with little loss.

Since January 1943 when joining the Battalion in TUNISIA, this Lance-Corporal has always shown courage and devotion to duty of the highest order in every engagement in which he has taken part, but has received no recognition for his valour.

I recommend Lance-Corporal CHRISCOLI for the immediate award of the M.M.

Signed E.J.B. NELSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS

Granted an Immediate M.M.