2720247 John FAHY, MM, 1 Irish Guards

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Name Fahy [incorrectly noted as Fany], John
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 2720247
Regiment: 1 Battalion Irish Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Military Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 24 August 1944
Date 1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/7
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LG - Viewing Page 3924 of Issue 36668

24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Division, 6th U.S. Corps
2720247 Lance-Corporal John FAHY, 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS

This Lance-Corporal was N.C.O. in command of a Vickers M.M.G. stationed in the area of VALLELATA on the night 3rd / 4th February, 1944.

In the early hours of the morning 4th February, this position was attacked in force by the enemy. The M.M.G. section fired 17,000 rounds and inflicted heavy casualties before being overwhelmed. Lance-Corporal FAHEY was marched off as a prisoner, but immediately escaped and made his way to No. 1 Company's position, and with them began to fight a way back to join the SCOTS GUARDS.

During this period he was wounded, and once again captured and put with a part of Battalion H.Q. under German guard. When Battalion H.Q., under Captain S.H. COMBE, turned on their guards, Lance-Corporal FAHEY took an active part and despite his wound showed great energy in killing Germans.

When the party reached the former Company positions it found there some of our carriers and stretcher-bearers. Lance-Corporal FAHEY refused to remain with these and have the wound in his back dressed, but insisted in accompanying the party as it fought its way back through the enemy, and took a leading part in the assault of a Machine Gun post that was holding up the party from a small house.

On reaching the GRENADIER GUARDS positions, this Lance-Corporal was immediately evacuated by ambulance to the Casualty Clearing Station where several pieces of shrapnel were taken out of his back.

Never once did this Lance-Corporal mention his wound or allow it to impede him in any way. His stoical acceptance of his wound, his great courage and his absolute refusal to remain a prisoner in German hands was an example to all, and deserve in my opinion the award of the M.M.

Signed C.A. Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS

Granted an Immediate M.M.
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