A fine Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Naik Dharamsing Gurung, 2/4th Gurkha Rifles - challenged by an enemy sentry he shot him dead, stormed the objective and, though wounded, refused to hand over command of his section

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (46787 L.-Nk. Dharansing Gurung, G.R.), impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these unnamed, good very fine (6) £700-900

M.M. London Gazette 24 May 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On the night of 17-18 December 1944, Lance-Naik Dharamsing was commander of one of the sections of ‘C’ Company whose task was to occupy a bridge head on the west bank of the River Senio in the area of houses at 217244.

While approaching his section’s objective they were challenged by an enemy sentry. Lance-Naik Dharamsing immediately killed the sentry with a burst from his Tommy gun and, without hesitation, led the section in a charge straight at his objective. He captured it but was wounded in the knee during the assault. Despite his wound, Lance-Naik Dharamsing refused to hand over command of his section but again led them in an assault, in co-operation with another platoon, on the final company objective.

Lance-Naik Dharamsing by his dashing leadership and refusal to be defeated was an inspiration to his men. He contributed very greatly to the success of his platoon in capturing their strongly held objective.’