Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: attributed to Sepoy Sher Ali, 4-14 Punjab Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (23245 Sepoy Sher Ali 4-14 Punjab R.) - a modern copy; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War and India Service Medals, unnamed; U.S.A., Army Distinguished Service Cross, reverse named, ‘Sher Ali’, slot brooch suspension, very fine and better (6) £200-300

M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945.

Recommendation reads: ‘At Letse .... on 23rd March 45 this sepoy took part in his coys attack on Pt.534, a strongly held Jap position. This sepoys 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.’

With copied recommendation.