M.M. London Gazette 19.4.1945. Recommendation states 'On 5 December 1943, Lance-Bombardier Mitchem (then a Gunner) was acting as Observation Post Assistant of a party liaising with 133 Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army. The H.Q. area, in view of enemy Observation Posts, was subjected to continued shell fire. After one concentration which broke the line, both Linesmen left to repair it. While out a further concentration came down and it appeared that both men as well as the line were lost. Lance-Bombardier Mitchem, awaiting no orders, immediately went out and under further shell fire mended five breaks in the line and located the other two men. At Tufo, from 19-22 January 1944, when the Observation Post on Point 201 was repeatedly counter-attacked, Lance-Bombardier Mitchem displayed great courage. When the Observation Post was finally overrun, he saved a wireless set and thus enabled his Troop Commander to establish a further Observation Post which was again overrun. His Officer, being then wounded and captured, and the wireless set destroyed, he conducted his party to safety through heavy shell fire to our lines. At Anzio, between 16 March and 30 April, he again displayed on all occasions cheerful courage under fire'.

Mention in Despatches London Gazette 24.8.1944.

Lance-Bombardier Edward Thomas Mitchem, M.M., enlisted into the Territorials in April 1939 and was posted to 91st (4th London) Field Regiment, R.A. Subsequently employed with the B.E.F. in France, until evacuated via Dunkirk on 1.6.1940, Mitchem went to serve with his unit in Iraq, Persia, Syria and Egypt, prior to participating in the landings in Sicily in July 1943 and the subsequent Italian Campaign. He was released from the Army in February 1946.