A Middle East theatre M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant David Firbank, 57th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery
Military Medal, G.VI.R. (788219 A/Sjt., R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine (5)

M.M. London Gazette 12 May, 1942 (Middle East).
“Sgt Firbank commanded a Bofors gun detachment throughout the operations near Martuba on 20-22 March, 1942. On the afternoon of 21 March, the position occupied by the column [4th Bn. East Yorkshire Regt.] was subjected to intense and almost continuous attacks by numerous fighter aircraft. There were also four major raids by some fourteen Stukas each, as well as shelling by enemy artillery. Throughout the whole period, lasting six hours, Sgt Firbank showed outstanding leadership and initiative. Five out of eight of his gun-numbers were casualties, but he organised a skeleton detachment, and inspired them by his courageous example to stand up to and engage, every attack. When his gun barrel was burst by a premature, he personally supervised its replacement and himself cooly carried out repairs to the gun, although Stukas were dive bombing his position at the time. By his undaunted courage, his sound decisions and his unfailing resource, he kept his gun in action until darkness fell and the last raiders withdrew.”