While no citation for Flanagan's Military Medal exists among the CEF documents in the Library and Archives Canada, a copy of the recommendation for his award does survive in regimental Records. From the archives of The RCR, this document reads:"For Immediate Award""158582 Lance Corporal John Joseph Flanagan. - For quick decision and boldness of action during the attack on JEAN WOOD on 8th August 1918. When the advance of his platoon was held up by a concealed Machine Gun in an enemy Observation Post Lance Corporal FLANAGAN led his Platoon forward and outflanked the Post, captured the Gun and personally bayoneted two of the crew. His work throughout the PARVILLERS operations was characterized by the same dash and initiative when he was in command of a "Mopping Up Party."Sadly, Flanagan would not live to enjoy the honour of his award for bravery. On 26 Aug 1918, while the Regiment fought at Moncey, he was reported "Killed in Action," one of the Regiment's 196 officers, N.C.Os. and soldiers killed, wounded and missing that day.
