Gunner Francis Hugh McGinley
Unit : 212th Battery, 53rd (Worcestershire Yeomanry) Airlanding Light Regiment, RA.
Army No. : 1463033
Awards : Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star
For outstanding devotion to duty 6 June - 3 September 1944.
Gunner McGinley with his wireless set was dropped in the swamps several miles from his Drop Zone on 6 June 1944. In spite of a damaged leg he showed great determination in making his way with his heavy set across the swamps and in avoiding German patrols to reach his officer at the appointed Rendezvous. His wireless set proved unserviceable and he showed great resourcefulness in salvaging another set from a damaged vehicle and gaining contact with his battery.
He maintained the set in action under heavy fire and difficult conditions for a period of days with little rest and sleep. His success in keeping touch with his battery under these adverse conditions was of outstanding importance to the course of the battle during those early days.
Throughout the campaign his example, cheerfulness and determination were a great credit to himself and his unit and an inspiration to all who worked with him.