Other Properties - Australian Groups

Lot 4106    SESSION 10 (9.30AM FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER)    Other Properties - Australian Groups

Estimate $10,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $9,700

MM TRIO FOR VIETNAM: Military Medal (EIIR); Vietnam Medal 1964-73; South Vietnam Campaign Medal 1964-72. 1731080 Pte. W.J.Winterford. R.Aust.Infy.Corps. on first medal, 1731080 M.W.Winterford (sic) on last two medals. First two medals impressed, last medal engraved. Swing mounted, some toning, otherwise very fine.

Note: An error has been made when naming the service medals as both have the incorrect initials of M.W. instead of W.J. There is no other Vietnam serviceman with the name of Winterford so it appears that the naming section has mis-read the details or they have been given the incorrect information.

MM: LG 28/11/1967, p12980; CAG 23/11/1967, p6357 to 1721080 Pte William Joseph Winterford 6Bn, RAR.

Recommendation: Private Winterford has served as a National Serviceman since 30 June 1965, and with 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, in Vietnam since June 1966. He was a section machine gunner until he was wounded during operations in Phuoc Tuy Province in July 1966. On 25 July 1966, during an action between "C" Company and a Company of Viet Cong, Private Winterford engaged two enemy machine guns which were accurately engaging the Company, with his own machine gun. Exercising excellent fire control, he quickly succeeded in neutralising the enemy guns. When an attack was mounted on the right flank of his platoon position, Private Winterford used his machine gun to such devastating effect that the enemy were forced to withdraw. Shortly after, whilst still engaging enemy, Private Winterford was seriously wounded in the left arm and his machine gun destroyed. Whilst obviously in great pain and suffering loss of blood, and though still under enemy fire, he conducted himself in such a courageous manner as to set an example and inspire those fighting with him. This display of professional skill and of his personal courage throughout the action was in the highest tradition of service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his Regiment and the Australian Army.

William Joseph Winterford, born 02Jun1945 at Brisbane, Qld; served as a National Serviceman with RAInfy Corps; Vietnam service with 6RAR 06Jun-29Aug1966.

Pte W.J.Winterford, MG No.1, C Coy was awarded his MM during Operation Hobart 24-29 July 1966 in which 6RAR's mission was to search and destroy east and north east of the resettled village of Long Tan. During Operation Hobart two men were killed and twelve wounded in action. This was just a precursor to what would happen a few weeks later in the Battle of Long Tan.

With page of research.