Gunner Eric Rabbitt was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service at Alethangyaw, Arakan in Burma [1][2].

On 12 November 1944 at Alethangyaw the patrol of which Gunner Rabbitt was a member came under heavy small arms fire from the front and both flanks at close range when in open country. When the Officer in charge of the patrol, who was leading, was wounded Gunner Rabbitt, who was his batman, doubled forward under intense fire with complete disregard for his own safety, applied first aid and attempted to drag the officer to safety. With the subsequent assistance of other men of the patrol the officer was successfully evacuated.
Although in the open and under intense fire at short range throughout the action, Gunner Rabbitt, through his initiative and complete disregard for his own safety, set an example to the remainder of the patrol which resulted in the wounded officer being saved from falling into enemy hands. This was the first time he had been in action [2].