NOMINAL ROLL – THOSE WHO SERVED

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to TX1197
Corporal (A/Sergeant) Frederick Joseph STOREY

In an attack North of Myola on 14 Oct, 1942, he was commanding the forward section when both his platoon commander and platoon sergeant were wounded. He immediately took command and after a rapid reorganisation soon had the platoon in attack again and leading it through m.g. and mortar fire captured his objective. This he held with a
handful of men when severely counter-attacked, until ordered to withdraw. In other attacks he has always led his men with the utmost determination and skill, he was largely responsible for ousting the Jap on at least one other occasion.

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to QX8825
Lance-Corporal Phillip O’ KEEFE

North of Myola on 12 and 14 Oct, 1942, Lance-Corporal O’Keefe who is a stretcher bearer attendant to C Company showed the utmost bravery and devotion to duty under heavy enemy fire during assaults on Japanese positions. He was at all times present with the forward troops dressing wounds and rendering first aid to the wounded on the spot. He was seen on several occasions by his company commander, crawling out through thick undergrowth and under heavy fire, with wounded on his back. He was directly responsible for evacuating seventeen (17) casualties through his own fearless devotion to duty, and total disregard for his own safety.

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to NX10710
Private John Henry PROUDFOOT

During the operations north of Myola on 12, 13 and 14 Oct, 1942, he, by his fearlessness in face of terrific enemy fire, so inspired his section that they were able to bring the operation to a successful conclusion. As the leading man in the forward section in a flank attack he surprised a party of 20 Japs. Without hesitation he charged the party with his t.s.m.g. inflicting heavy casualties. When joined by his section commander the pair were engaged by withering fire, but moving forward to good positions continued to snipe at the enemy until ordered to withdraw by their company commander. His ability on patrols has been excellent especially when it involved contact with the enemy

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to NX25280
Corporal Arthur James FIRTH

When on patrol at Soputa on 19 Nov, 1942, Corporal Firth, after having been ordered to retire instructed three men of his section to give him covering fire and went forward under very severe enemy fire and successfully dragged Private McIntyre, who had been wounded in both legs, back a distance of 70 yards to the covering patrol who then assisted in carrying him. To Corporal Firth’s courage and disregard for personal safety Private McIntyre owes his life. As to others present he risked what they thought was certain death with this outstanding bravery. Corporal Firth has shown courage and ability to lead throughout the whole campaign.

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to NX7423
Private Neville William MULALLY

Private Mulally consistently maintained his telephone line from A Company to Battalion H.Q. despite heavy and constant mortar and rifle fire while in contact with the enemy at Gona on 22 Nov, 1942 he repaired at least five breaks finally laying two alternative lines under heavy fire. On 23 and 24 Nov the line was again frequently cut and repaired. On 26 Nov during a Japanese counter attack, again under heavy mortar fire, the line was cut eight times and Mulally repaired it each time. At one stage he had to leave his post and take part in the action using his t.s.m.g. to good effect.

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to NX36918
Private George Albert BURNS

For gallantry and greeat initiative under heavy enemy fire in two consecutive days fighting. On 14, Sept., 1943, when his company was attacking an enemy position at Lane’s, 7 Platoon was held up by, heavy l.m.g. fire, the platoon commander being wounded and one other rank killed. All communications at this time were cut and Private Burns, batman to the company commander, moved out and under heavy fire moved Lieutenant H. R. Johnston to safety, found out the situation and reported to his company commander who was able to take necessary action to bring the action to a successful conclusion.
On 15 Sept, 1943, at Edward’s Plantation, A Company again came under heavy fire from two m.g.s on the right flank. The country was exceptionally thick with the enemy concealed in foxholes in among our own troops. Private Burns again went out and locating the two-inch mortars of the two platoons led them forward under fire to a position from which they were able to locate and neutralize the m.g.s, thus permitting the advance of his company. Apart from these two incidents, be was consistently active maintaining communications and assisting wounded out under fire. Altogether he showed initiative and gallantry far beyond that which his duties required of him.

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to NX91449
Private David Kenneth GREEN

For great gallantry in the face of heavy enemy fire at Edward’s Plantation, New Guinea. On 15 Sept, 1943, when attacking a strong enemy position, B Company were committed on the flank of C Company who were pinned down by heavy fire. Private Green who at this time was leading the flank section, led his men forward under fire until they were finally held up, then locating the m.g. position which was holding up C Company, he ran forward under heavy fire and annihilated the m.g. position with grenades; thus enabling C Company to make much valuable ground. This action can be substantiated by Lieutenant R. W. Whitfield of C Company 2/33rd Australian Infantry Battalion.

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to QX56046
Private A. J. MARTIN

At Balikpapan on 3 July , 1945, when his company attacked a hill studded with enemy weapons pits and log emplacements, Private Martin was severely wounded. Suffering intense pain and weak from loss of blood, he attacked single-handed the entrenched enemy, killing many with grenades and his sub-machine gun before they could recover from his onslaught. Although wounded a second time, he carried on with his fierce attacks until the feature was taken. His heroism, his tenacity and his fortitude were an inspiration to his comrades and had a profound effect on the success of the attack.

Award of Military Medal (M.M.) to VX11935
Lance-Corporal R. FREEMAN

Lance-Corporal Freeman displayed exceptional courage and initiative during the fighting at Balikpapan from 2 to 17 July, 1945, when he was evacuated wounded. His patrolling ability was a byword in his company and he twice penetrated the enemy’s defences; once to see if there were any survivors of a Liberator’s crew, observed to crash, and the other time to recover the body of his platoon commander. The information he gathered on patrols was invaluable and his accurate pinpointing of enemy guns was responsible for the destruction of at least one 75 m.m. dual purpose gun. He was eventually wounded while on patrol, but even then he was able to provide information of great value. His determination, ability and audacity were at all times a great and lasting inspiration to his fellows in the platoon.