Sergeant Ernest Kinnear was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during operations in Italy at Lake Comacchio, and on the enemy held Dalmatian Island of Brac [1].

"(Ref. Map Italy 1/200,000. Sheet 12).

Sergeant Kinnear was acting in the capacity of Troop Sergeant Major during Operation 'Impact' 10 -13 April 1945, and became at once an outstanding figure on the battlefield.
In the area of Menate the Commando met stiff enemy opposition on a narrow front, with the additional hazards of deeply sown minefields. Heavy toll was taken of unit personnel.

During this critical period, with morale badly shaken and the success of the operation in the balance, Sergeant Kinnear emerged as a leader of the highest qualities.
Tirelessly applying himself to the welfare of his men he moved freely through his section positions, succouring the wounded and exhorting tired men to renewed effort. In so doing he was repeatedly exposed to enemy small arms fire, but by demonstrating complete disregard for his own safety he so stimulated the troop that it was able to resume the attack and capture the objective.

During the many operations carried out by 40 RM Commando from Sicily to Argenta, Sergeant Kinnear has been conspicuous by his gallantry. During an operation on the Dalmatian Island of Brac in June 1944, he was again acting as Troop Sergeant Major. When heavy casualties had been sustained he went out alone over open ground to evacuate many of them under fire.

Again in the same action he evacuated two casualties from the middle of a Schu minefield, and later returned to the summit of a hill within easy range of the enemy positions to evacuate wounded left behind in the withdrawal, although he was forced to retire by accurate sniping.

Within his troop and within the unit, Sergeant Kinnear has been a tower of strength. With always a helping hand for the weak, a word of encouragement to the faint hearted and above all, by his own shining example he has upheld the highest traditions of his Corps and of the British SNCO." [2].