Award of the Military Cross
to
William Muir MacKean, 20th April, 1943.

Citation
    In this operation resulting in the capture of Point 667, Captain MacKean showed himself on three occasions completely fearless and possessed of a very high amount of duty.
   1. On the morning of the 9th April, 1943, the squadron was ordered to support the attack of the 5 Buffs on Point 667. The Buffs were held up by strong force of the enemy in attempting to cross the Oued Oum. The Commanding Officer of the Buffs asked for support and Captain MacKean was ordered to clear the enemy from the oued with a force of six tanks. Captain MacKean immediately led his tanks to the high ground above the oued before they were subjected to heavy and accurate enemy shell fire. On the appearance of the tanks the enemy left the entire position, leaving considerable quantities of equipment, including 5 guns.
   Captain MacKean deserves great credit for the speed with which he carried out his orders and which undoubtedly saved what could have easily been a very difficult situation.
   2. At 1230 hrs. on the same day, the Buffs crossed the oued and commenced the attack on Point 667. The tanks could not at first get across the oued and Captain MacKean was ordered to find a crossing. This he did on foot and under enemy shell and mortar fire, showing complete disregard for his own safety. He then guided his tanks across the oued and continued in support of the Buffs to a point only 100 feet from the peak.
   On this occasion, by his brave conduct, he succeeded in supporting his infantry to the full and over country that would certainly have deterred most tank officers
   3. At 1730 hours the same day, Captain MacKean was ordered to withdraw. He succeeded in doing this despite accurate fire from the enemy 88 mm ant-tank gun which was completely out of range of his own gun.
   Throughout the whole operation Captain MacKean inspired his men by his coolness and daring and his action helped tremendously in the success of the attack.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel D. Dawnay, Commanding Officer North Irish Horse.

Endorsed by
Major-General V. Eveleigh, Commander 78th Infantry Divison.

Approved by
Lieutenant-General K. Anderson, General Officer Commanding 1st Army.

London Gazette Record
Issue: 6083 Date: 8.7.1943 Page: 3087 WO Folio 373/1.
which view.

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