| Surname: | Cooper |
| Initials: | H A |
| Rank: | Sergeant |
| Army Number: | 5180604 |
| Notes: | CMP. From Newbury. Formerly Gloucestershire Regiment, transferred to CMP. Discharged to Commission. London Gazette 37028, page 1953, 13/4/45. Pioneer Corps. The undermentioned Cadets to be 2'Lt's. 10/3/45. 5180604 Henry Arthur Cooper, MM (341823). 4 Div Pro Coy. Medal Index Card not found. Henry Arthur Cooper. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 36764 Page: 4903 Oct. 26, 1944) |
| Citation: | Military Medal Citation.River Rapido, ItalyDuring the initial stages of the river crossing of the RAPIDO on 11/12 May 1944 the above named NCO was in charge of CMP in the forward sector of 28 Infantry Brigade. When the crossing failed, heavy shelling and mortaring occurred and this NCO showed great courage and bravery not only in keeping his own section of men together but also all other personnel in the vicinity. One Traffic Control Post under his control failed to report in after all other TP's had left the area and the river crossing and he went forward through heavy mortar fire to locate them. During the morning of 12 May he also volunteered to go forward to attempt to recover vehicles which had been sent forward to raft the river and had been held up with shell and mortar fire. Although he was unable to recover the vehicles he cleared the area of troops, searching very diligently for wounded in spite of being in view of the enemy. During the ensuing days of 13,14 and 15 May this NCO was forward on the bridges the whole time, and by his courage and personal disregard for safety kept his section together when under mortar and shellfire.Awarded an immediate MM. Recommended by OC 4 Inf Div Pro Coy. National Archive WO 373/8. |