John William Ormsby
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John William Ormsby VC MM (January 10, 1881 - July 20, 1952) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Ormsby was a career soldier first serving in the Boer War.
[edit] Details
He was 36 years old, and a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 14 April 1917 at Favet, France, during operations which culminated in the capture of an important position, Sergeant Ormsby, acting as company sergeant-major showed complete indifference to the heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and set a fine example. After clearing a village he pushed on and drove out many snipers from localities further forward. When the only surviving officer was wounded he took command of the company and led them forward under heavy fire for 400 yards to a new position, holding it until relieved.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum (Doncaster, England).
