Corporal John Hadfield was awarded the Military Medal for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty during operations at Vietri, Italy.

"On September 13th 1943 at Vietri Sul Mare this N.C.O. by his outstanding coolness and disregard for danger when his Officer was killed leading a counter attack, rallied his men and succeeded in driving home the attack. When later having only a few men left he was forced to withdraw he succeeded in extricating his men from a very dangerous position. Subsequently he led numerous patrols wisely and well and was at all times an inspiration to his men."