Lot 5227

Description

Pair: General Service Medal 1918-62 (ERII), - clasp - Malaya; Vietnam Medal 1964-73. 2/9982 D.Fisher.. (double stop) on first medal, 29982 D.Fisher on second medal. Both medals impressed. Contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 75 (lot 2636).

Private Desmond Fisher, born 07May1934 at Tamworth, NSW; served in Vietnam with 1RAR 27May-03Aug1965.

Entitled to USA Meritorious Unit Commendation

Citation: The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, distinguished itself in the conduct of military operations in the Republic of Vietnam from 5 May 1965 to 16 May 1966 while attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) of the United States Army. As the first ground combat unit in-country, the 173rd Airborne Brigade and its assigned and attached units conducted extensive combat manoeuvres in the Bien Hoa area and in the Viet Cong strongholds of War Zone D and the Iron Triangle during the period 5 May 1965 to 4 May 1967. In every confrontation with the stubborn insurgents, the 173rd Airborne Brigade displayed marked aggressiveness, which enabled them to neutralize enemy strongholds and capture thousands of logistical items. In addition to remarkable skill and tenacity in combat, the sky soldiers of the brigade carried on an extensive civic action program characterized by sincere compassion for the suppressed populace. During each of the brigade's combat operations, the sky soldiers immeasurably aided the allied counterinsurgency effort by winning the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people. The remarkable proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by the members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect distinct credit upon themselves, the Armed Forces of the United States, and the Armed Forces of Australia and New Zealand.