Lance-Sergeant John Amiens Burns
Unit : 2nd Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Army No. : 3909816
Awards : Military Medal
Lance-Sergeant Burns landed by glider on 24th March 1945, with the company detailed to seize the Issel river bridge between Hamminkeln and Ringenburg. His platoon commander was killed on landing. Lance-Sergeant Burns took over the platoon and led it in the assault on the bridge. He conducted the attack with the most resolute vigour. The bridge was seized, an enemy strongpoint cleared and that bridgehead rapidly consolidated. Lance-Sergeant Burns then assaulted an enemy Anti-Aircraft position, knocking out the guns and killing or capturing the crews.
The rapid assumption of responsibility by this NCO, his courage and aggressive energy carried his platoon with him. It was largely due to his determined leadership that this vital bridge was captured intact.