Award of the Military Medal
to
Sergeant Gerald Ballard, 24th May, 1945.

Citation
   On the night April 12th, 1945, A Squadron N.I.H. did an unsupported night attack from the Argenta Canal to La Pastorella a distance of nearly five miles. As they approached La Pastorella approximately 15 enemy tanks were heard to start up and make off in a northerly direction.
   As daylight was breaking Major R.J. Griffith, MC ordered Sergeant Ballard to take a small dismounted patrol, consisting of co-drivers, to find out where, and in what strength, the enemy was.
   Sergeant Ballard, who had no previous experience of this type of work, carried out a most brilliant patrol. Seven Germans were captured, the exact enemy positions on the Santerno banks were discovered he searched houses, dug-outs and gun positions and found excellent ambush positions for the squadron. He was sniped at and Spandau’ed constantly by the enemy.
   He was back again in an hour with this vital information and the success of the subsequent operations was largely due to him.
   This NCO has an outstanding record of battle and his skill and conduct under fire have been of the highest order.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel A.W.A.Llewellen-Palmer, DSO, MC, Commanding Officer North Irish Horse.

Endorsed by
Major-General D.Russell, Commander 8th Indian Division.

Approved by Lieutenant-General R.L.McCready, General Officer Commanding, 8th Army.

London Gazette Record
Issue: 37235 Date: 23.8.45 Page: 4270.
which view.

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