Private James Derek Westerman
Unit : No.3 Platoon, "A" Company, 12th Parachute Battalion
Army No. : 1798753
Awards : Military Medal
On the night of 2/3rd April 1945, "A" Company was van guard to the Battalion advancing along the road to Osnabruck. The enemy was encountered holding a position in a village astride the axis of advance. No.3 Platoon was directed to clear some houses on the right hand side of the axis. The Platoon Commander followed by his batman, Private Westerman, led the attack towards the objective in spite of the enemy resisting by throwing grenades and engaging the Platoon with small arms fire at close range. During the advance the Platoon Commander and the leading Section Commander were both wounded. Private Westerman however continued to advance alone gaining the objective. The leading Section then joined him. Private Westerman took control of the situation and consolidated the objective. Throughout the whole action, which was fought in pitch darkness, Private Westerman showed great dash, determination and coolness, and it was largely due to his courage and initiative that the objective was gained so rapidly.