Alan W Cooper joined and served in everything from the cubs to the Army cadets until when aged 17 he enlisted in the Territorial Army (2nd Monmouthshire Regiment) as a boy bandsman and served with them until 1958 when he was called for National Service with the South Wales Borderers (They of Rourke's Drift fame) but having already decided to become a regular soldier he enlisted in the 4/7th Royal Dragoon Guards band and subsequently learned to march wearing spurs. A year in the Royal Military School of Music followed and then service in Germany and Yorkshire until 1963 when he transferred to the Coldstream Guards band in London. As his interest and archives grew he decided to attempt his first book and in 1982, and had his first book 'The Men Who Breached The Dams' published. It is the story of the raid on the Ruhr dams in 1943, but from the eyes of the men who carried out this daring, and very gallant operation, their efforts, and their story. He has gone on to write many WWII history books, often with the guidance from other men who served

The first recipient was Flight Sergeant Leslie Wallace, a wireless operator with 83 Squadron, who extinguished a major fire in his Lancaster and despite his severe wounds returned to his radio until the crippled aircraft returned to England. The final CGM was awarded to Flight Sergeant John Couglan in Vietnam, when he assisted boarding casualties in the face of heavy fire from the Vietcong. In between there are a host of tales that recount incredible feats of courage.Lengthy appendices list recipients of the medal and other statistics concerning the award.