Australian Singles

Lot 3345       Australian Singles

Estimate $700
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $900

MILITARY MEDAL (GVIR) (1ST TYPE). VX135639 Sp R.J.D. Field A.Mil.F. Impressed. Very fine.

James Desmond Field. Enl.14Dec1939. Dis.6Mar1945. MM L.G. 6 March 1947: 'For outstanding devotion to duty and high personal courage as a bulldozer operator preparing tank routes behind the enemy lines. On 26 Jun 45 Spr Field of 15 Aust Fd Coy was a bulldozer operator with the task of constructing a track for tanks through the jungle and over river escarpments behind enemy lines in support of the operation of the 24 Aust Inf Bn to seize important ground mid-way between the Mobiai and Mivo Rivers. Although the enemy were occupying many positions in the area of the tank track Spr Field displayed great personal courage and devotion to duty in continuing to construct the track for five consecutive days working from daylight to dark every day to get the tanks through. Perched high up in his bulldozer he was a most vulnerable target to enemy parties endeavouring to hinder the operations but he showed amazing coolness and disregard for his own safety to do his duty. On the completion of a successful attack Spr Field was driving his bulldozer along the Buin Road to once again carry out further essential work when his bulldozer was hit with several shells from a cleverly concealed enemy 150 mm gun. Spr Field was blown into the jungle by the force of the explosion and although considerably dazed rushed back to his post where he found that most of the sappers accompanying the bulldozer were killed or wounded. Spr Field displayed great resourcefulness in assisting in attending the wounded and arranged their evacuation despite the fact that the enemy were still in occupation of the position. Throughout this arduous and important operation Spr Field showed outstanding devotion to duty and admirable courage. He spared no effort in playing this dangerous part in the operation'. With some research.