Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Lot 4016    SESSION 13 - 2.30PM Thursday 31 July    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Estimate $15,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $12,000

GROUP OF TWELVE: 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; 1939-45 War Medal; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; General Service Medal (EIIR) 1918-62, - clasp - Malaya; Vietnam Campaign Medal 1964-73; Defence Force Service Medal 1982; Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (EIIR) with Australia suspension; US Silver Star; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star; South Vietnam Campaign Medal 1964-72, - clasp - 1960-. PM7477 J E Barker on first four medals, 3/6292 on fifth - eighth and last medals, remaining medals unnamed as issued. Court mounted as worn, extremely fine.

Together with US Presidential Unit Citation for services with 5th Special Forces Group; US Meritorious Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation; Infantry Combat badge; original citation and award documents for US Silver Star; wall plaque from AATTV detailing his two tours of duty in Vietnam 1965-66 and 1968-69; presentation shield with crossed USA and Republic of Vietnam flags at top and other crests and a plaque at the base inscribed, 'John (Oopy) Barker / WO2 AATTV / PF/PF Advisor HVSS / Jan 1971 - Jun 1971 / From All of Us at Hoa / Vang, Good Luck Always'; original patrol maps and patrol details prepared by WO Barker after a number of contacts with the Vietcong; large collection of original slides and black and white photos covering service in Malaya and Vietnam; copy of service record with RAN; copy of service record with Australian Army.

US Silver Star: Certificate dated 28th February 1973 to WO John E. Barker, 36292, Australian Military Forces for Gallantry in Action in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 April 1969.

Citation: WOII John E. Barker, AATTV. 'Warrant Officer Barker distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 29 April 1969 while serving as the heavy weapons advisor to the 5th Battalion, 2nd Regiment, 1st Divison, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the 5th Battalion was attacking a heavily defended bunker complex. After a flame tank had been employed, Warrant Officer Barker spotted several enemy soldiers running forward from their burning bunker. Pointing out the enemy to a machine gun squad leader, but getting no response, Warrant Officer Barker seized a machine gun and led the machine gun section forward to a suitable firing position. By his initiative and exemplary leadership, Warrant Officer Barker personally accounted for two North Vietnamese Army killed in action.

Shortly after this action, two gun tanks were brought up to engage the enemy at a closer range. During this action an American advisor was seriously wounded. Warrant Officer Barker made a quick estimate of the situation and moved by himself, under intense enemy fire, to treat the wounded advisor. Upon seeing the seriousness of the wound, he called for assistance and helped carry the wounded advisor across 75 meters of open terrain under heavy enemy fire to a position from where the wounded advisor was medically evacuated. Warrant Officer Barker's quick thinking, initiative and personal disregard for his own safety was a major factor in saving the wounded advisor's life, and contributed significantly to the success of the operation. Warrant Officer Barker's conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Australian Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.'

The Military Training Advisors Order of Merit and Scroll of Honor awarded on 6 April 1969 to Warrant Officer John E. Barker, WO236292, Australian Army, in recognition of outstanding performance of duty from 7 March 1969 to 6 April 1969.

Citation: 'While attached to Advisory Team Five, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Warrant Officer John E. Barker, WO236292, Australian Army, distinguished himself by outstanding service. While attached to this advisory team WO Barker was assigned as an advisor to 5/2 Battalion that was undergoing training at the Dong Da National Training Center. Throughout this period, he demonstrated initiative, dedication and a comprehensive knowledge of the duties of his position. The myriad missions assigned to him were accomplished with sustained thoroughness in all respects regardless of the long hours involved. Do (sic) (Due) to WO Barker's fine abilities, the training procedures throughout this period reflected the highest possible standards. His understanding of the problems encountered by the soldiers of his battalion and his discretion when dealing with superior officers reflect great credit upon himself, the Joint Military Assistance Command and the Australian Army.'

John Edward Barker, baker's apprentice, born 16May1926 at North Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria; WWII: Enl.13Jun1944 at Melbourne into RAN; rated Asst Cook 29Sep1944, Cook 13Jun1945; Demob.13Nov1946; Re-Enl.15Jan1947 for 9 years; On HMAS Warramunga when she went up the Yangtze River in 1949 to take out Australian Embassy officials with HMS Amythyst ultimately relieving her of duty there. Applied for Naval General Service Medal with Yangtze clasp but advised that this was only awarded to personnel on RN ships not RAN; A/Ldg Cook 17Nov1953, Ldg Cook 17Nov1954; Disch.14Jun1956. Australian Army: Enl.24Mar1958; service in Malaya operating with 1RAR Dog Patrol; Vietnam service with AATTV - Tour 1 20Oct1965-18Apr1966; Tour 2 19Aug1968-13Aug1969; Tour 3 14Jan1971-26Oct1971.

With various documents, photos, certificates as detailed above.