The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Name Clement, John Rank: Corporal Service No: 2695143 Regiment: First Battalion Scots 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 24th Guards Brigade, 6th SA Armoured Division, 13 Corps 2695143 War Substantive Corporal, Lance-Sergeant John CLEMENT, 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS On 28th July 1944 'B' Company was ordered to attack Point 302, a a feature South West of STRADA, 10 miles from FLORENCE, supporting the PR/PAO, which was expected to over-run the feature before 'B' Company arrived. As it happened 'B' Company found themselves committed alone to the attack on this most important objective, which proved to be strongly held. Sergeant CLEMENT was at the time in command of No. 12 Platoon, which was leading platoon on the left of the Company and bore the brunt of the enemy fire, which was particularly heavy on that side, though it also came from the front and the right. Heavy casualties were caused and the attack might have faltered, but Sergeant CLEMENT by his outstanding leadership and the example of his personal bravery, rallied his men and inspired them to continue the advance until the objective was taken. The is no doubt that the personal example of this N.C.O. with his disregard of danger and the enemy's fire, was responsible for his platoon's attaining its objective and achieving success in one of the hardest fights of the campaign. The capture of Point 302 paved the way to IMPRUNETA and FLORENCE. Sergeant CLEMENT's leadership and courage under the most trying conditions were beyond praise, and throughout his service as an N.C.O. he has served with the greatest distinction. Signed J.S. SANDERSON
