PENN, Leonard William

Known as: 
Inky
Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
6 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Dorsetshire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
14646360
Honours & Awards: 
Leonard Penn MM 6 Commando
Private Leonard Penn, 3 Troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in North West Europe [1]
Recommendation
"Pte. Penn has served with his Troop as No.1 on the Bren gun since D Day. His gallantry dash and initiative have contributed in great measure to the success of several Troop actions.
On one occasion near Essel on 11 April 1945, No.6 Commando were heavily counter-attacked by two companies of enemy. Pte. Penn was in a forward position when a party of five men with a machine gun made a run for cover behind a small mound 30 yards in front of the Troop position. This they reached without casualties and Pte. Penn realised that they would be a serious danger to his Troop. He immediately got out of his pit and dashed forward with his Bren gun under heavy fire from other enemy positions. He reached the top of the mound, surprised the enemy and killed 3 and wounding the remaining 2 with his gun.
His courage and devotion to duty have been outstanding throughout the campaign. On many occasions his complete disregard for his personal safety has been an inspiration to the entire Troop" [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37442, page 644.
[2] National Archives file WO373/56/309.
[Image] Carol Flynn.
 

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