Captain Michael Allen , Adjutant of No. 9 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Monte Faito, Italy, on 2/3 February 1944 [2].

During this action Capt. Allen was adjutant of No. 9 Commando when the Commando was caught in a gully and came under very heavy and accurate mortar and artillery fire from which very heavy casualties including both the C.O. and second in command were caused.

Capt Allen at once took over command and reorganised all available forces and personally directed operations.

Owing to the number of officer and NCO casualties, had it not been for the promptness of Capt Allen in taking the situation in hand, considerable disorganisation might have occurred. Capt Allen then conducted a short withdrawal under fire and organised the Commando in a defensive position.

Later again on the evacuation of the C.O. Capt Allen again took over command. Throughout the whole operation Captain Allen showed great powers of leadership and set a magnificent example. In the Commando operations on the Garigliano River on night 29/30 December and during Operation Shingle Capt Allen showed exemplary courage, leadership and determination" [2].