A Second War ‘Burma operations’ M.M. awarded to Sepoy Sher Ali, 4-14 Punjab Regiment, Indian Army, for his gallantry at Letse on 23 March 1945, when he single-handedly attacked a Japanese machine gun post, personally accounting for five of the enemy

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (23245 Sep Sher Ali Punjab R) light contact marks, very fine £500-£700

M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’

The original Recommendation (originally for an Immediate I.D.S.M.) states: ‘At Letse on 23rd March 45 this Sepoy took part in his company’s attack on Pt.534, a strongly held Jap position. This Sepoy’s Platoon was ordered to work its way round on the flank of the enemy position and it became held up by very intense L.M.G. & G.D. fire from a Jap post. The leading section was unable to extricate itself owing to the accuracy of the fire and was suffering casualties. Sepoy Sher Ali, with complete disregard for his own safety, stood up and immediately became the target for the concentrated fire of the Jap post, and firing his L.M.G. from the hip, emptied a full magazine into the post. This did not silence the L.M.G. and Sepoy Sher Ali then crawled forward underneath a stream of L.M.G. fire and grenades from other positions & lobbed three grenades into the post. The occupants then endeavoured to run away. This Sepoy was wounded in the stomach whilst crawling up to the post, but although in great pain he again stood up and with his L.M.G. killed all five of the Japs endeavouring to escape, thus enabling the Platoon to advance and capture its first objective. By his complete disregard for his own safety, courage, and tenacity this Sepoy succeeded in removing a serious obstacle to the advance of his Platoon and heartened and inspired his comrades at a time when they were suffering casualties, and unable to advance.’

Sher Ali, a native of Dhok Bhattian, Cambellpore, Punjab, attested for the 4/14th Battalion, Punjab Regiment, and was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry in Burma, when he single-handedly attacked a Japanese machine gun post, personally accounting for five of the enemy.

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