Lot 3806

Description

Group of Four: Distinguished Conduct Medal (EIIR); United Nations General Service Medal, Korea; Vietnam Medal; Vietnamese Campaign Medal; 34888 R.L. Jones, R.Aust.Inf.Corps (2 R.A.R.). The first three medals impressed, last engraved. Together with photographs and extensive research, including extracts from 'Anzac Battalion--South Vietnam, 1967-68'. Very fine.

DCM. L.G.10 December 1968: 'WO Reginald Jones joined the Australian Regular Army on the 13 February, 1953. After many regimental and training appointments, he was poted as Company Sergeant Major of C Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, on the 11 May, 1964. On the 26 January, 1968, during Operation COBURG in Bien Hoa, 9th Platoon C Company assaualted and occupied an enemy camp. It was soon apparent that the enemy force was larger than first estimated and it was necessary for Company Headquarter and 8th Platoon to reinforce them. After the reinforcements arrived the enemy made two determined counter attacks and subjected the force to heavy harassing fire from five machine guns and small arms. Throughout these attacks WO Jones moved around the protection and from where they could engage the enemy. WO Jones continually exposed himself to the heavy fire sweeping the camp to perform those tasks. During the heaviest attack at 1825 hours a section commander was mortally wounded. Disregarding his own safety WO Jones moved forward under fire and rendered first aid to the soldier. At 0800 hours on the 27 January, 1968 heavy automatic fire was again received in the camp and a sentry was wounded. The company medical orderly was mortally wounded in going to his aid. Again with complete disregard of the enemy fire WO Jones went foward and attempted to drag both wounded men to safety. The first attempt failing, he fashioned a shelter, rallied a bearer party and went forward a second time still under fire. He evacuated both men to safety and then proceeded to organize a helicopter evacuation of the dead and wounded. At all times during this action WO Jones showed a complete disregard for his personal safety and his actions were undoubtedly instrumental in saving more lives in the company. His coolness under heavy fire and the professional manner in which he performed his duties were a source of great encouragement to the men of his Company. His personal bravery and encouragement to the younger soldiers of the Company were in the highest traditions of the Australian Army and reflect great credit on himself, his battalion and the Australian Forces in Vietnam.'