On the morning of September 4th 1943, Cpl. McDiarmid's sub section was advancing East of Bagnara when they came under heavy mortar and machine gun fire and he himself was shot through the ankle. He ordered his men to carry out a right flanking movement and, despite his wounds, covered the withdrawal of his sub section from a position which was continually under fire. He then crawled back, re-joined his men, and led them into the hills above the town in an effort to outflank the enemy position mortaring the road. He refused to return to the R.A.P. and continued to advance until he collapsed.
Throughout he showed great devotion to duty, determination and courage, and by his complete disregard for personal safety inspired the men under his command to greater efforts.