The extremely scarce 2nd NZEF 18th (Armoured) Regiment Military Medal group of  six awarded to 13912 Charles Lewis Zimmerman, whose bravery during the period of the crossing of the Sangro River in December 1943 saw the immediate award of the Military Medal.

 

Zimmerman's full service has not been obtained, so details of his war service are not available at this time. Charles Zimmerman was killed in action on 18th December 1944 and is buried in Forli War Cemetery. The recommendation for the award of the MM states: 

M.M. Lance-Sergeant, 18 NZ Armoured Regiment
L.G. 6/4/1944 (I)
On 1 December 1943 his Troop Commander was wounded in
action, and L/Sgt. Zimmerman immediately took command
of the troop and led it with determination. His coolness
and judgement on the following day did much to get his
troop on to it’s objective near the Malone cross-roads near
Guardiagrele. There his tanks broke down mechanically in
out forward defended localities. L/Sgt. Zimmerman was left
as sergeant in charge of the out-of-action tanks in this area.
Owing to continuous heavy shell and mortar fire it has been
impossible to recover the tanks and they since been forced to
remain there. Under the heavy shell and mortar fire in front of
our own FDLs L/Sgt. Zimmerman remained with his tanks and
maintained communications between where he organised
them in a defensive role and kept his men in good fighting
spirit. On the night of 15 December 1943 he was warned that
an enemy patrol was infiltrating amongst his tanks. He waited
until they were close and then single-handed, with grenades,
drove the enemy patrol off, causing them many casualties.
Throughout this period of several weeks his behaviour was
of the highest order. His courage and determination was an
inspiration to all he commanded.

Note: Recommendation upgraded to the D.C.M. and then backto the M.M. during the approval process.

 

The MM is correctly impressed 13912 L/SGT. C.L. ZIMMERMAN. 2NZEF. 1944