Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 25
‘... the battle of Mount Longdon was won to a considerable extent by the persistence and determination of a relatively small group of soldiers who continued to slug it out for dominance against a well- entrenched enemy. In reports and reminiscences of the battle, the same names crop up again and again: McKay, McLaughlin, Weeks, Fuller, Gough, Gray, Pettinger. They represent a litany of uncompromising professionalism and focussed aggression.’ (Green-Eyed Boys, 3 Para and the Battle for Mount Longdon, by Christian Jennings and Adrian Weale, refers
)
The important Falklands War D.C.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant, later Captain, J. S. Pettinger, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, who distinguished himself on countless occasions whilst serving as Patrol Commander D (Patrol) Company during 11 days of operations in and around the Mount Longdon area. Pettinger’s D Company were the ‘eyes and ears’ of 3 Para, and carried out extensive close target reconnaissance in and amongst enemy lines - in order to provide accurate descriptions of routes onto the objective, and detailed information on enemy strengths and locations prior to the assault on Mount Longdon.
Pettinger and his men ‘ghosted’ in and out, ‘We worked our way into the enemy positions and around to the north of the rocks, cautiously probing in where we could. Numerous enemies were seen and heard, often only a few metres away, and machine gun and mortar positions were found and noted.... I eventually checked my watch to see it was almost 04:30; we were still on the enemy position having been there for about 5 hours.
I took the decision to place our weapons down by our sides and just walk off the position heading north; a tactic used in Northern Ireland years before. To our surprise and fright, we discovered we had walked through several occupied enemy trenches with men talking. Nobody stopped us. Once clear, we ran as fast as possible back westwards towards our first RV.’
During the preparation for the attack on Mount Longdon Sergeant Pettinger completed six close target reconnaissances against the objective, and once completed, ‘On the night of 11th/12th June, Sergeant Pettinger acted as a guide for B Company for their part in the battalion night attack onto Mount Longdon and was able to place them in such a good starting position that the attack came as a complete surprise to the enemy. Once the battle had commenced he was a constant source of information and advice to the Company Commander, while acting with dash and determination during the many assaults against strong points on that night, killing at least three enemy.’
Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (24159222 Sgt J S Pettinger Para); U.N. Medal, on UNFICYP ribbon; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (24159222 Pte. J. S. Pettinger Para); South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (24159222 Sgt J S Pettinger Para) name and unit partially officially corrected; Jubilee 2002, unnamed as issued ; Volunteer Reserves Service Medal, E.II.R. (Capt J S Pettinger RAMC) mounted as originally worn, with named card boxes of issue for last two medals, generally very fine or better (6)
£100,000-£120,000
Pettinger (left) and Brian Faulkner at Buckingham Palace following presentation by the Queen
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