Major Michael D Green

  • Bronze Star medal

Michael Douglas Green was granted an emergency commission in the Royal Engineers on 7 February 1942 and later volunteered for airborne forces, serving as the Royal Engineers' Adjutant in the 1st Airborne Division's Headquarters.

He was recommended for the Military Cross for his actions during the Battle of Arnhem. Although this was not endorsed he was later awarded a US Bronze Star in recognition of his bravery. The citation notes:

'On Wed 20th Sep 1944, armoured cars of 30 Corps were reported to be in the area South of the River Lek. Capt Green was immediately ordered to cross the river to give all available engineer information to 30 Corps and to assist them in bringing relief to 1st Airborne Division. The ferry in which Captain Green attempted to cross was destroyed by enemy fire a few yards out from the bank. He swam back and got a small rowing boat. He found no friendly troops on the Southern Bank and only after a ten mile walk, necessitating passing through the enemy lines in darkness, did he contact friendly troops holding a small bridgehead North of NIJMEGEN early on 21st Sep. He duly reported his information to 30 Corps and subsequently assisted CRE [Commander Royal Engineers] 43 Division in the evacuation of 1st Airborne Division on the night 25/26th Sep. Regardless of risk, and with great devotion to duty, Captain Green successfully completed a most hazardous mission which considerably contributed towards the safe evacuation of the survivors of 1 Airborne Division.'

He went onto serve with 9th Airborne Company, Royal Engineers (RE), during the liberation of Norway in 1945. (The company was reorganised and renamed as 9th Airborne Squadron, RE, during this deployment.)

After the war Michael Green served with the Territorial Army from 1947 to 1956.

 

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