Lot 3805

Description

Trio: Distinguished Flying Cross (EIIR) 1969, Vietnam Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, T.Ward. Vietnam Medal impressed, last medal machine-engraved. Very fine.

Squadron Leader Thomas Ward served as a helicopter pilot in 9 Squadron RAAF, in Vietnam from 23 April 1968 to 1 April 1969. DFC C.G. 16 October 1969 'in recognition of his courage and devotion to duty whilst senior flight commander with No.9 Squadron during operational service in Vietnam'. Together with research and extracts from 'Mission Vietnam' and 'Vietnam Veterans - A Record of Service' which details in full the recommendation for the award, which was chiefly earned for leading numerous successful insertions and extractions of long range reconnaisance patrols. Squadron Leader Thomas Ward was a member of 9 Squadron RAAF and served in Vietnam from 23 April 1968 to 1 April 1969 as a U.U-H helicopter pilot. During his operational tour he was responsible for leading numerous successful insertions and extractions of long range reconnaisance (SAS) patrols. On 9 June 1968, accompanied by two U.S. Army gunships, he lifted out an army patrol under enemy fire. As the dense foliage prevented him landing, he winched them out and flew them to safety to Nui Dat. On 31 October of the same year, he landed his aircraft beside a crashed U.S. Army gunship which had been downed by enemy ground fire. He quickly embarked the crew and flew them to safety. His disregard for his own safety on occasions like this resulted in the award of the DFC. The recommendation for this award read: 'Squadron Leader Thomas Ward was senior flight commander with No.9 Sqn for the major part of his operational tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Sqn Ldr Ward was responsible for leading numerous successful insertions and extractions of longe range reconnaissance patrols. On the night of 9th June 1968 he extracted a patrol that could not break contact with the enemy. Although his aircraft was exposed to enemy fire during the time he was hovering to hoist the patrol onboard he completed the extraction without incident. There were many other occasions on which Sqn Ldr Ward reacted quickly to avert dangerous situations with complete disregard for his own safety. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sqn Ldr Ward on these occasions had been of the highest order and has set an outstanding example to less experienced member of the Squadron.'