Lot 3359

Description

Pair: Military medal (GVIR); 1939-45 Star. VX66678 Pte M.J.W. Main A.I.F. First medal impressed, star pantographed. Very fine.

Maurice John William Main. Enl.1Dec1941. Dis.26Apr1946. MM:'At 1600 hrs on 30 Jun 45 during operations near Ratsua Northern Sector Bougainville a fighting patrol of 8 Aust Inf Bn was sent to reconnoitre and clear an enemy position menacing the right flank. On making contact the patrol was immediately subjected to very heavy LMG fire and was pinned down. The patrol commander, after engaging in a fierce fire fight, was compelled by shortage of amn to warn the patrol to withdraw. Pte Main was a member of this patrol and immediately requested permission to attack the LMG. Regardless of the intense fire he plunged through the jungle and with a grenade killed the Jap gunman on the LMG thus enabling the remainder of the patrol to rush and seize the position, killing a further two of the enemy. It was entirely due to this soldier's initiative and fearless action that the patrol was enabled to achieve a very satisfactory victory, and it is considered that he was also responsible for saving lives which were definitely endangered by any attempt to withdraw. Pte Main's courage was an inspiration to his Bn'.