Citation - For exceptional courage, initiative and devotion to duty.

During the night 1/2 Jan 45, ‘C’ Coy 1 KRRC captured Ca di MEZZO (MR 473467 ITALY 1:25,000 – 89 III NW) and held it to protect the left flank of 5 Cdn Armd Div. Owing to its importance, its exposed posn and the short distance separating it from the enemy occupying the FOSSO VETRO, it was vital that line communications be established and maintained, as well as wireless between Coy HQ and Ca di MEZZO. The ground which the line had to cross was under observation and any movement seen, heard or suspected drew intense and accurate fire. It was heavily schu-mined and casualties were regularly suffered on them. Nevertheless Rfn WALLER laid the 1000 yds of line required and maintained it for three days and nights.

During this time it was cut on innumerable occasions by shelling and by our own tanks. Rfn WALLER never showed any hesitation but repeatedly went out to repair it under the most difficult and dangerous conditions, laying several miles of cable in the process. After his Coy had been relieved on the evening of the 5^th Jan by a Sqn of 7 H the line was cut again. Wireless communication had also been lost and enemy with spandaus were moving around the area Ca di MEZZO and shooting at the house. The Sqn 7 H had had very little chance of studying the ground, so Rfn WALLER, who was waiting to go back with his Coy into reserve, was instead sent out to re-establish communications. Assisted by a 7 H signaller he repaired the line and went on into Ca di MEZZO where he managed to re-net the wireless. The house was still under Spandau fire, but he returned to Sqn HQ where he gave a most valuable patrol report on the enemy’s activities which he had seen during his outing.

This Rifleman’s work in maintaining communications was done in addition to operating a telephone or wireless with little or no rest; it contributed largely to the successful defence of Ca di MEZZO against two most determined attacks. His cheerfulness and willingness to undertake any job at any time, no matter how difficult and dangerous, was a magnificent example to his whole Coy.

Rifleman Marshall Waller, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps, youngest son of Mr and Mrs H Waller, of 19 Fitzwilliam Street, Rushden, has written from Italy to inform his parents that he has won the Military Medal. Apart from the fact that it was in connection with signals work, he does not disclose how the award was earned, but relates that he had to go in front of the Colonel, who congratulated him. He adds: “I think my face must have changed, because I was told that I beamed all over.”

Aged 23 years, Rifleman Waller has been in the Army since April 1942, and went abroad in August of the same year. He attended Rushden Alfred-street School and was afterwards employed by Messrs Hepworths, men’s outfitters. His elder brother is also with the Army in Italy.