Captain William Cunningham was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished service in Sicily. Post war member of the Commando Association from Whitchurch, Hampshire.

"Pachino Peninsular 10 July 1943. As 'Y' Troop Commander this Officer was responsible for assaulting and capturing the strongpoint 888898.
Owing to weather and mechanical breakdowns only a small portion (eight all ranks) of his Troop arrived ashore. Captain Cunningham led these men quickly and accurately to the objective and as his bangalore torpedoes were not with him, he succeeded in cutting the surrounding wire and entering the compound from the rear. He was however unable to silence the position from this angle and led an assault round the flank silencing the position by himself with a direct hit through the loophole with a 36 grenade. In doing so he was severely wounded in the arm by a burst of machine gun fire from the position but he remained and mopped up the area killing and capturing many of the enemy.
His leadership especially after a painful wound was an inspiration to all. I consider that less resolute action by this Officer would have resulted in considerably heavier casualties to our Troops."