Lieutenant Walter James Carn
Unit : 1st Battalion The Glider Pilot Regiment
Army No. : 179140
Awards : Military Cross
Lieutenant Carn was a glider Pilot in the Airborne attack on Sicily on 10th July 1943. After a flight of 400 miles this Officer landed his glider in face of fierce Anti-Aircraft fire and search-lights at the appointed place, behind the enemy's lines. In landing, the nose of the glider was smashed, but his party were unhurt although he himself suffered two broken ankles.
Lieutenant Carn had himself carried to a farmhouse where he disposed the small force under his command and, in spite of his injuries, proceeded to direct operations. The position was held against enemy attacks for the space of 15 hours; a number of the enemy killed; many prisoners were taken and throughout the period active patrolling was carried out.
Lieutenant Carn displayed outstanding courage and leadership. It was undoubtedly due to his example and to the contempt which he showed for his own injuries that this handful of men behind the enemy's lines, cut off from their own troops, were inspired to withstand attacks directed against them for so long a period and to act offensively against the enemy's rear. The action carried out by Lieutenant Carn and his party constituted a valuable contribution towards the success of the whole operation.