Lance Sergeant Harold Barton was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Anzio, Italy, on 19th March 1944 [1][2][see linked content below].

During a Commando operation on 19 March 44, Cpl. Barton led a section in the initial attack during the hours of darkness. A Spandau posn. manned by three enemy opened fire on them at point-blank range. Cpl. Barton coolly ordered 'left flanking' and led two men round to the attack, leaving his LMG to cover him. He was observed and the two men with him were wounded, but without hesitation Cpl. Barton hurled a grenade and charged the post single-handed, capturing the only uninjured occupant.

Later in the day, although his remaining men had all been killed and wounded, Cpl. Barton continued to man his LMG single-handed, accounting for another five certain enemy casualties. His leadership and courage were of the highest standard throughout the entire operation" [2].