DAB, Jakob

Rank: 
Raider (Private)
Unit / Base: 
51ME Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Pioneer Corps
Service: 
Army
Number: 
PAL 12810
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Thursday, December 15, 1921
Birthplace: 
Vengrov, Poland
Died : 
Thursday, August 31, 2000
Place died: 
Eilat, Israel
Jakob Dab Middle East Commando
Raider Jakob Dab was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service.
Recommendation
Before Keren Eritrea.
On the 15th March 1941, No 7 section was advancing very difficult and exposed ground toward a ridge, the third objective. After advancing three hundred yards up a KHOR the section came under very heavy fire from L.M.G.s. Under the cover of the fire of the rifle sub section, and making use of what poor cover the side of the KHOR gave, Raider DAB accompnaied by two others proceeded still further to within 150 yards of the base of the objective. Here the KHOR bank was only one foot high. On being shown the enemy positions Raider DAB, quite  regardless of his own safety, opened fire with rifle grenades. Owing to the stony nature of the ground the butt of the rifle broke with the firing of the fourth grenade. In spite of the heavy fire Raider DAB slipped back into the middle of the KHOR away from the little cover available, chose a sandy bed for his rifle butt, and continued firing most effectively whilst lying out in the open completely overlooked by the enemy. Bursts were observed close to the enemy posts and the fire diminished considerably. At this time the tactical situation on the right, owing to the arrival of heavy enemy M.G.s, caused a withdrawal. Before the withdrawal was completed however, it was seen that one enemy L.M.G. was out of action with dead round it. Owing to the difficult nature of the ground, it was not possible to see the full results of the grenade fire.
Raider DAB by his coolness under fire, his devotion to duty, his disregard for his personal safety, and the magnificent example he set to all his comrades, is deserving of an immediate award.  (Recommended by Lieut. Col. H.J. Cator, M.C. Commanding Officer 51st Middle East Commando.)
 
Sources
Award - London Gazette 35250, page 4788.
Recommendation - National Archives file WO373/28/198.
[Image and additional personal details] Dr. Mickey Shachar, PhD, son of Zvi Swet (51ME Cdo and No.2 Cdo.)
 

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