Sergeant William Carruthers was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his leadership and gallantry during operations in Malaya.

 

As a sub-section Commander of 42 Commando, Royal Marines, Acting Sergeant Carruthers has, over a period of 11 months, shown outstanding leadership, courage and initiative in operations in Malaya. He has been on operations continuously and has always shown a magnificent example to all ranks. As a result, his sub-section has had a series of major successes and has been responsible for killing four, capturing three and wounding three bandits in the last six months.

In November, 1950, Sergeant Carruthers' sub-section was involved in a night action against heavily armed and well organised bandits in the Tyrone Estate, near Batu Gajah. Sergeant Carruthers was personally responsible for rallying his sub-section against superior numbers, and himself wounded and captured a. well known bandit.

In April, 1951, in the Bota Forest, his. sub-section was heavily attacked by a strong party of bandits. Sergeant Carruthers rapidly organised ab attack by his out-numbered sub-section in order to stabilise the situation. In close quarter fighting, and with utter disregard for his own safety, he killed a bandit who was on the point of shooting in the back a member of the sub-section. By this action Sergeant Carruthers certainly saved the life of a comrade. By further efforts he was able to rally his men and drive off the enemy, whom he then pursued.

On 8th May, 1951, Sergeant Carruthers led a patrol of five Marines to an occupied camp on Harewood Estate, himself stalking and shooting the sentry and then leading the attack on the defended camp.

At all times his devotion to. duty and his example have been outstanding, and an inspiration to the men whom he leads so well.