Lot 4689

Description

MM Group of Four for Korea: Military Medal (EIIR Br:Omn); War Medal 1939-45; Korea Medal 1950-53; United Nations Korea Medal 1950-53. 7/73 T/L/Cpl. M.E.Wilson. R. Aust. R. on first medal, NX207350 on second medal, 7/73 M.E.Wilson on last two medals. All medals impressed. Very fine - extremely fine.

Together with USA Presidential Unit Citation.

Ex J. and J. Edwards Collection.

MM: LG 26/5/1953, p2909; CAG 26/5/1953, p1549 - to Lance Corporal (temporary) Maxwell Eric Wilson, The Royal Australian Regiment.

Maxwell Eric Wilson, born 16Sep1926 at Parramatta, NSW; WWII: Enl.09Jun1945 at Paddington, NSW; Disch.22Mar1949 as Corporal ex 17 Army Tps; Korea: served 27Oct1951-27Sep1952 with 3RAR.

In Korea, Wilson was Section Leader 6 Platoon, B Coy. Following is a brief account of the action where he was awarded the Military Medal. 'The platoon then attacked the first line of trenches in the centre of the hilltop, peppering the enemy with machine gun fire and grenades. But as the Australians crossed that line of trenches they were attacked from the rear by Chinese soldiers who had now come out from previously protected positions. The Diggers replied with Owen guns and phosphorus grenades, throwing their bombs down tunnels where the entrances were visible. Suddenly a Chinese machine gun opened up from just ten metres on a forward section of No.6 Platoon, led by Corporal M.E. Wilson, but the corporal ran out towards the enemy gun and, throwing grenades at the position, killed the gunner.

The Chinese quickly disappeared into the deep labyrinth of their tunnels and brought down heavy mortar fire on top of their own defences. Casualties among the Australians were rapidly mounting and so, towards 12.30am, Captain Richardson ordered his men out. B Company had lost one man killed, two missing and twenty four wounded; the Chinese, twelve killed. Several Australians were decorated for their part in the action; Wilson received a Military Medal, Zwolanski a US Bronze Star and Captain Richardson a Military Cross.

Only 45 MMs and one MM and Bar for Korea.

With group photo and details and copy of Gazette entry.