Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Army Air Corps M.M. group for the Rhine Crossing awarded to Sergeant G.J. Burns, Royal Air Force, late 9 Parachute Battalion, 6 Airborne Division

MILITARY MEDAL, G.VI.R. (5513071 Cpl., A.A.C.); 1939-45 STAR; FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR; DEFENCE AND WAR MEDALS; GENERAL SERVICE 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (Sjt. M.M., A.A.C.); CAMPAIGN SERVICE 1962, 1 clasp, South Arabia (C4104092 Sgt., R.A.F.) some polishing, therefore nearly very fine or better and rare (7)

M.M., London Gazette, 12 July, 1945. The following citation was extracted from official sources:

'On 24 March 1945, near Wesel, Germany, Corporal Burns and two men were dropped 1 1/2 miles East of the Brigade Drop Zone in enemy territory. After salvaging mortar equipment from nearby containers, Corporal Burns began to lead his party towards the Battalion Rendezvous. After meeting and driving off by fire two bodies of enemy greatly outnumbering his own party, he observed a 20mm gun engaging the gliders passing overhead. Although heavily laden with base-plates and mortar bombs, Corporal Burns and his force of two stalked this enemy emplacement and after throwing in a grenade, assaulted it with Sten and rifle. All the crew were killed and the gun destroyed. Corporal Burns then continued on his way and eventually reached the Battalion Rendezvous complete with his two men, his two base-plates and the mortar bombs. His skill, courage and determination not only accounted for a number of Germans, but also ensured the arrival of stores vital to the success of the Battalion's operations.'

Gordon Jack Burns was serving at the time of this action with the 9th Parachute Regiment, 3rd Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division, 12 Corps.