The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Spiller, Jack Arthur Rank: Serjeant Service No: 2615794 Regiment: 3 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 07 December 1944 Date 1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/8 1st Guards Brigade, 6th British Armoured Division, 10 Corps 2615794 War Substantive Sergeant Jack Arthur SPILLER, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS For outstanding courage and leadership. During the attack on PERUGIA by 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS between 18th June and 20th June, 1944, Sergeant SPILLER was commanding No. 7 Platoon in No. 3 Company. He led his Platoon with great dash in an attack on the evening of 18th June and on the 19th June was ordered to attack a vital road junction with a troop of 16/5 LANCERS. Two tanks were knocked out by 75mm early in the attack, but Sergeant SPILLER, with great skill, managed to outflank the enemy gun position. Although under intense Machine Gun and Spandau fire he led his Platoon on to the objective and consolidated. The enemy put in a counter-attack which was held. He then went forward with Stretcher Bearers to bring in some wounded men. On approaching them he was subjected to more Machine Gun and sniping fire. However, waiting for the opportunity he managed to crawl forward and extricate the wounded men one by one until they all reached safety. It was entirely due to the great personal courage and devotion to duty of this Sergeant that the objective was reached and held. Sergeant SPILLER has been Platoon Sergeant or acting Platoon Commander on active operations since December, 1942, and on every occasion has shown himself as an outstanding leader, whose courage, skill and utter devotion to duty has never yet received recognition. Signed Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS Granted an Immediate D.C.M.
