Sergeant Patrick Costello
Unit : 9th Parachute Battalion.
Army No. : 6031820
Awards : Military Medal
Sergeant Costello was Platoon Sergeant of the leading Platoon of 9th Parachute Battalion in the advance from Lembeck on 27th March. Enemy troops and transport appeared 300 yards away. As the Platoon deployed to attack them, it came under heavy fire from three 20mm guns. As the Platoon worked forward, Sergeant Costello continuously and fearlessly exposed himself. Finally he, with two others, assaulted the enemy in the flank. Enemy fire was heavy, but this small party swept through it and right into the enemy position. Several Germans were killed and 30 captured, and all three 20mm guns were captured intact with their towing vehicles.
The success of this small but important engagement was largely due to the courage and coolness of this NCO. He showed bravery of a high order and infected others with his determination to get in and destroy the enemy.