Marine John Squire, 'A' Troop, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service displayed in the Italian campaign in April 1945.
Recommendation
Op. 16-20 Apr. Advance North between R. Reno and Canals West of Argenta.
Ref. Maps Italy 1:25,000 - Sheets 88 I NW and NE.
Moving at the head of the right hand Troop of the Commando during the dawn attack North along the completely coverless West bank of the R. Reno, Mne Squires' Troop was pinned down by a Spandau from a well dug-in position in the river bank ahead.

On their own initiative, with great courage and determination, Marine Squire and another Marine (this was Mne Dave Losban) crawled forward to deal with the Spandau. Under continuous fire the two managed to crawl up to the position and charging up onto the bank, Marine Squire killed the enemy manning the Spandau.

Unfortunately he and his comrade now came under Schmeiser fire from a position further up the bank and his comrade was badly wounded. Although in a very exposed position, with no regard for his own safety, Marine Squire dragged his friend behind cover, and then picking him up, still under fire he carried him back to the Tp medical orderly for attention. By knocking out the Spandau and drawing considerable fire himself Marine Squires' Troop were able to get on.

Marine Squire throughout the attack displayed exceptional courage and endurance and was an outstanding example to his comrades, both in his disregard for his own safety and in his intiative.