Australian & New Zealand
Recipients
of the
U.S. Distinguished Service Cross or U.S. Navy Cross
(Including British-Indian and British South Africa)
WWI - Present
37 Awards
Australia (WWI)
Australia (WWII)
Australia (Vietnam)
New Zealand (WWII)
British India (WWII)
British S. Africa (WWII)
D.S.C.
9
17
1
2
1
Compiled and Edited
By
C. Douglas Sterner
Navy Cross
3
1
3
AWARDS OF THE U.S. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
& AWARDS OF THE U.S. NAVY CROSS
TO
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
BRITISH-INDIA BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA
Compiled & Edited
By
C. Douglas Sterner
Made Available By
HomeOfHeroes.com
P.O. Box 122
Pueblo, CO 81005
INDEX OF RECIPIENTS
AUSTRALIAN RECIPIENTS --------------- 1
DSC - WORLD WAR I
1
Brady, Vincent J. ........................................................................................................ 1
Caddy, Thomas E. ...................................................................................................... 1
Errington, Arthur ........................................................................................................ 1
Hill, John H. ............................................................................................................... 2
Morisset, Vaux L. ....................................................................................................... 2
Padgett, John R. .......................................................................................................... 2
Parkes, Thomas .......................................................................................................... 2
Rodakis, Nicholas ....................................................................................................... 3
Trewarn, Frederick ..................................................................................................... 3
DSC - WORLD WAR II
4
*Blamey, Jack Murray ............................................................................................... 4
Blamey, Sir Thomas .................................................................................................... 4
*Earp, Frederick W. ................................................................................................... 4
Eather, Kenneth W. .................................................................................................... 4
Garing, William H. ...................................................................................................... 5
Henstridge, Hector D. ................................................................................................. 5
Herring, Edmund F. .................................................................................................... 5
MacFarlan, D. S. ......................................................................................................... 5
Mason, P. E. ............................................................................................................... 6
Matheson, Donald G. ................................................................................................. 6
*Owen, William T. ..................................................................................................... 6
Read, J. W. ................................................................................................................. 6
Rhoades, F. A. ............................................................................................................ 7
Vasey, George A. ....................................................................................................... 7
Vial, Leigh H. ............................................................................................................. 7
*Walker, Ian W. .......................................................................................................... 8
Wooten, George F. ...................................................................................................... 8
NAVY CROSS - WORLD WAR II
9
Armstrong, John Malet ............................................................................................... 9
*Band, John Morel 9
Farncomb, Harold Bruce ............................................................................................. 9
DSC – VIETNAM WAR
10
Payne, Keith ............................................................................................................... 10
NEW ZEALAND RECIPIENTS ---------- 11
DSC - WORLD WAR II
11
Kennedy, Donald G. .................................................................................................... 11
NAVY CROSS - WORLD WAR II
11
Bridson, Gordon .......................................................................................................... 11
*Buchanan, Campbell H. ........................................................................................... 11
Phipps, Peter................................................................................................................ 11
BRITISH INDIA RECIPIENTS ----------- 12
DSC - WORLD WAR II
12
Ali, Sher ..................................................................................................................... 12
Wilson, Willes D. ........................................................................................................ 12
BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA RECIPIENT 13
DSC - WORLD WAR II
Lord, Fred T. .............................................................................................................. 13
13
Australian Recipients
DSC - World War I
BRADY, VINCENT J.
Lieutenant, Australian Imperial Force
13th Field Artillery Brigade
Date of Action: October 18 - 20, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Vincent J. Brady, Lieutenant, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action east of Busigny, France, October 18 to 20, 1918. Lieutenant Brady, in command of a forward
section of artillery, pushed his guns in advance in close support of the Infantry. In crossing the La Selle River the fire of his
guns silenced numerous machine-gun positions and aided the Infantry to advance. This action took place when fighting
alongside the American 27th Division.
 General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Australia
CADDY, THOMAS E.
Sergeant, Australian Imperial Force
43d Battalion, 11th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division
Date of Action: July 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas E. Caddy, Sergeant, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action at Hamel, France, July 4, 1918. Early in the advance his company was held up by fire from a
machine-gun post. Sergeant Caddy with great bravery charged the position, bayoneted the crew, thus enabling his company
to advance. This action took place when fighting alongside the American 27th Division.
 General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Australia
ERRINGTON, ARTHUR
Sergeant, Australian Imperial Force
32d Battalion, 5th Division
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur Errington, Sergeant, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. When his company was halted by machine-gun
fire, Sergeant Errington with two comrades rushed the enemy position and captured the machine gun. Later the same day he
rushed a second machine gun, capturing the gun and killing three of the crew. This action took place in conjunction with the
attack of the 30th U.S. Division.
 General Orders No. 68, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Australia
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HILL, JOHN H.
Lieutenant, Australian Imperial Force
50th Battalion, 13th Infantry
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Hill, Lieutenant, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for extraordinary
heroism in action northwest of Bony, France, September 29, 1918. While attached to a battalion of the 107th American
Infantry, Lieutenant Hill assisted in forming the men for the attack and gallantly led them forward until he was severely
wounded in the leg.
 General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Australia
MORISSET, VAUX L.
Captain, Australian Imperial Force
31st Battalion, 5th Division
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Vaux L. Morisset, Captain, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action at Nauroy, France, September 29, 1918. During the advance following the capture of
Bellicourt, Captain Morisset, acting battalion adjutant, observed that flanking troops had failed to advance, leaving a gap in
the line. On his own initiative, he gathered several detachments of troops under heavy machine-gun fire and deployed them,
covering the threatened gap. His prompt and courageous conduct contributed to the success of the operations in which the
30th U.S. Division was engaged.
 General Orders No. 68, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Australia
PADGETT, JOHN R.
Lance-Corporal, Australian Imperial Force
44th Battalion, 11th Infantry
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John R. Padgett, Lance-Corporal, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action in the attack on the Hindenburg Line, September 29, 1918. When an enemy grenade fell
amongst his section, Lance-Corporal Padgett picked it up and threw it back toward the enemy. Later he exposed himself to
heavy fire in order to carry an American soldier to a place of safety. This action took place when fighting alongside the
American 27th Division.
 General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Australia
PARKES, THOMAS
Private, Australian Imperial Force
55th Battalion, 14th Infantry
Date of Action: September 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas Parkes, Private, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for extraordinary
heroism in action north of Bellicourt, France, September 30, 1918. Private Parkes exposed himself to heavy machine-gun fire
in going out in front of our positions and assisting two wounded Americans to a place of safety. This action took place when
fighting alongside the American 27th Division.
 General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Australia
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RODAKIS, NICHOLAS
Sergeant, Australian Imperial Force
105th U.S. Infantry, 27th Division (Attached), 4th Battalion, Australian Machine Gun Corps
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Nicholas Rodakis, Sergeant, Australian Imperial Force, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Ronssoy, France, September 29, 1918, while attached to Machine gun Company, 105th U.S. Infantry,
27th Division, A.E.F. Organizing troops from different units, Sergeant Rodakis exhibited great bravery and dash in leading
them into effective combat, inspiring all by his courage and fearlessness.
 General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Australia
TREWARN, FREDERICK
Private, Australian Imperial Force
5th Machine Gun Battalion
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frederick Trewarn, Private, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. On three different occasions Private Trewarn
exposed himself to artillery and machine-gun fire in order to assist wounded to shelter. Later on, when warning was received
of an impending enemy counterattack, he displayed great coolness and good judgment under heavy fire in selecting positions
for his guns. This action took place when fighting alongside the American 27th Division.
 General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Australia
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DSC - World War II
*BLAMEY, JACK MURRAY
Captain, Australian Imperial Force
Date of Action: November 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jack Murray Blamey, Captain, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action in the Buna-Gona area of New Guinea during the month of November, 1942.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 54 (December 3, 1942)
Home Town: Manly, New South Wales, Australia
BLAMEY, SIR THOMAS
General, Australian Army
Commander, Allied Land Forces, Southwest Pacific
Date of Action: July 23, 1942 - January 8, 1943
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sir Thomas Blamey, General, Royal Australian Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action in New Guinea, during the Papuan Campaign, July 23, 1942, to January 8, 1943. As Commander, Allied
Land Forces, Southwest Pacific Area, General Blarney displayed extraordinary courage, marked efficiency and precise
execution of operations during the Papuan Campaign.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 5 (January 11, 1943)
Home Town: Australia
*EARP, FREDERICK W.
Flight Sergeant, Royal Australian Air Force
93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Force (Attached)
Date of Action: August 6 - 7, 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frederick W. Earp, Flight Sergeant, Royal Australian Air Force, for
extraordinary heroism in action between Queensland, Australia and Rabaul, New Britain, on August 6 -7, 1942. When the
airplane, in which he was co-pilot, returned to its base in Queensland, Australia, from a bombing mission at Lae, New
Guinea, because of a disabled engine, Flight Sergeant Earp, knowing that his group was to execute on the following day an
important mission in which the participation of every available airplane was essential, volunteered to accompany his airplane
commander on this mission in an airplane which had been declared unserviceable for combat duty. Rejoining his squadron at
Port Moresby, New Guinea, after having flown almost continuously during the preceding nineteen hours, he took off, after
only three hours rest, in a mass attack by his group on an enemy-occupied airdrome near Rabaul, New Britain. Despite
interception by about thirty enemy fighters as the target was approached, the group made a highly successful bombing attack.
During the hostile fighter action, the airplane in which Flight Sergeant Earp was a crew member, was on the wing which bore
the brunt of the enemy attack lasting for twenty-five minutes. It was observed to drop a blazing bomb-bay tank and fall
behind the formation. It did not return to its base.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 34 (September 15, 1942)
Home Town: Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
EATHER, KENNETH W.
Brigadier, Australian Army
Commander, 25th Infantry Brigade
Date of Action: July 23, 1942 - January 9, 1943
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Kenneth W. Eather, Brigadier, Royal Australian Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action in New Guinea, during the Papuan campaign, July 23, 1942, to January 8, 1943. As Commander 25th
Infantry Brigade, Australian Army, Brigadier Eather displayed extraordinary courage, marked efficiency and precise
execution of operations during the Papuan campaign.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 5 (January 11, 1943)
Home Town: Australia
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GARING, WILLIAM H.
Group Captain, Royal Australian Air Force
Commander, Number 9 Operational Group
Date of Action: July 23, 1942 - January 8, 1943
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William H. Garing, Group Captain, Royal Australian Air Force, for
extraordinary heroism in action in New Guinea, during the Papuan Campaign, July 23, 1942 to January 8, 1943. As
Commander, Number 9 Operational Group, Royal Australian Air Force, Group Captain Garing displayed extraordinary
courage, marked efficiency and precise execution of operations during the Papuan Campaign.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 5 (January 11, 1943)
Home Town: Australia
HENSTRIDGE, HECTOR D.
Lieutenant, Australian Imperial Force
25th Liaison Squadron
Date of Action: February 17 - March 12, 1944
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Hector D. Henstridge, Lieutenant, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Dumpu, New Guinea, from 17 February to 12 March 1944. Lieutenant Henstridge
voluntarily descended by parachute into a jungle behind enemy lines to rescue an officer and a soldier of the United States
Army Air Force. With full knowledge of the dangers of the jungle and of possible enemy patrols, he made his first parachute
jump, after which he led his comrades to safety in a hazardous twenty-four day march. By his heroic action, Lieutenant
Henstridge not only saved two lives, but in addition he contributed significantly to our knowledge of the territory through
which he traveled.
Home Town: Unley, Australia
HERRING, EDMUND F.
Lieutenant General, Australian Army
Commander, New Guinea Force
Date of Action: July 23, 1942 - January 8, 1943
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edmund F. Herring, Lieutenant General, Royal Australian Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action in New Guinea, during the Papuan Campaign, July 23, 1942 to January 8, 1943. As
Commander, New Guinea Force, Lieutenant General Herring displayed extraordinary courage, marked efficiency and precise
execution of operations during the Papuan Campaign.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 5 (January 11, 1943)
Home Town: Australia
MACFARLAN, D. S.
Paymaster-Lieutenant, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve
Coast Watcher, Lunga Point, Guadalcanal
Date of Action: May 1 - October 1, 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to D. S. MacFarlan, Paymaster-Lieutenant, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary
Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Southwest Pacific Area during the period from May 1, 1942 to October 1,
1942. (A complete citation of the actions for which award to this officer is cannot be published at this time for reasons of a
military secrecy).
NOTE: No evidence of a subsequent complete citation is available. Paymaster-Lieutenant MacFarlan was
a Coast Watcher (Project Ferdinand). He manned an outpost on Gold Ridge overlooking Lunga Point on
Guadalcanal for the period specified in his citation, reporting daily on Japanese activity.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 41 (October 7, 1942)
Home Town: Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia
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MASON, P. E.
Petty Officer, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve
Coast Watcher, Malabite Hill, Buin, Bogainville
Date of Action: March 30 - October 1, 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to P. E. Mason, Petty Officer, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve, for
extraordinary heroism in action in the Southwest Pacific Area during the period from March 30, 1942 to October 1, 1942. (A
complete citation of the actions for which the award to this officer is made cannot be published at this time for reasons of
military secrecy.)
NOTE: No evidence of a subsequent complete citation is available. Petty Officer Mason was a Coast
Watcher (Project Ferdinand). He manned an outpost on Malabite Hill overlooking Buin on Bogainville
Island for the period specified in his citation, reporting daily on Japanese activity.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 41 (October 7, 1942)
Home Town: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
MATHESON, DONALD G.
Lieutenant Colonel, Australian Imperial Force
Liaison Officer, G-3, II Island Command
Date of Action: December 19 - 27, 1943
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Donald G. Matheson, Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Australian Imperial Forces,
for extraordinary heroism, during the period from December 19 to December 27, 1943, on Guadalcanal. Lieutenant Colonel
Matheson volunteered to lead a patrol consisting of one other officer and four native scouts on a hazardous reconnaissance
mission over a difficult mountain range. The patrol succeeded in locating several trails, each of which was scouted in order to
select the best route over the mountains. While en route the patrol passed through and in the rear of the enemy lines, locating,
among other things, the positions of some one thousand of the enemy. The area in which the enemy were located could not be
reached by artillery or naval gun fire and was concealed from air observation. Consequently the position of this heavy
concentration of enemy troops would not have been located had it not been for the efforts of this patrol. This, and much other
valuable information obtained by the patrol, after traveling a distance of over ninety miles, were used later and aided greatly
in the success of operations in the area.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 67 (March 20, 1943)
Home Town: Perth, Australia
*OWEN, WILLIAM T.
Lieutenant Colonel, Australian Military Force
39th Australian Infantry Battalion
Date of Action: July 27, 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William T. Owen, Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Australian Military Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Kokoda, New Guinea, on July 27, 1942. While commanding an infantry battalion, which
was opposing the enemy advance, Lieutenant Colonel Owen, although facing far superior numbers of enemy troops, directed
his men so effectively as to extract a heavy toll of the enemy forces and considerably delay their advance. His courageous
and inspiring personal example was in great measure responsible for this vigorous opposition to the enemy attack. Lieutenant
Colonel Owen was seriously wounded in this action and later died of his wounds.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 11 (January 22, 1943)
Home Town: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
READ, J. W.
Lieutenant, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve
Coast Watcher, Buka Passage
Date of Action: March 16 - October 1, 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to J. W. Read, Lieutenant, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve, for
extraordinary heroism in action in the Southwest Pacific Area during the period from March 16, 1942 to October 1, 1942. (A
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complete citation of the actions for which the award to this officer is made cannot be published at this time for reasons of
military secrecy).
NOTE: No evidence of a subsequent complete citation is available. Lieutenant Read was a Coast Watcher
(Project Ferdinand). He manned an outpost overlooking the Buka Passage on the north side of Bogainville
Island for the period specified in his citation, reporting daily on Japanese air and ship activity.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 41 (October 7, 1942)
Home Town: Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
RHOADES, F. A.
Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve
Coast Watcher, Lavoro, Guadalcanal
Date of Action: June 20 - October 1, 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to F. A. Rhoades, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve,
for extraordinary heroism in action in the Southwest Pacific Area, during the period from June 20, 1942 to October 1, 1942.
(A complete citation of the actions for which the award to this officer is made cannot be published at this time for reasons of
military secrecy.)
NOTE: No evidence of a subsequent complete citation is available. Sub-Lieutenant Rhodes was a Coast
Watcher (Project Ferdinand). He manned an outpost at Lavoro on Guadalcanal where he had previously
manned a plantation, for the period specified in his citation, reporting daily on Japanese activity.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 41 (October 7, 1942)
Home Town: Australia
VASEY, GEORGE A.
Major General, Australian Army
Commander, 7th Division
Date of Action: July 23, 1942 - January 8, 1943
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George A. Vasey, Major General, Royal Australian Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action in New Guinea, during the Papuan Campaign, July 23, 1942 to January 8, 1943. As Commander, Seventh
Division, Australian Army, Major General Vasey displayed extraordinary courage, marked efficiency and precise execution
of operations during the Papuan Campaign.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 5 (January 11, 1943)
Home Town: Australia
VIAL, LEIGH H.
Pilot Officer, Royal Australian Air Force
Coast Watcher, Salamaua, New Guinea
Date of Action: February 15 - August 13, 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Leigh H. Vial, Pilot Officer, Royal Australian Air Force, for extraordinary
heroism in action in New Guinea during the period from February 15, 1942 to August 13, 1942. (A complete citation of the
actions for which the award to this officer is made cannot be published at this time for reasons of military secrecy.)
NOTE: No evidence of a subsequent complete citation is available. Pilot Officer Vial was a Coast Watcher
(Project Ferdinand). He manned an outpost in the hills above the Salamaua airfield on New Guinea for the
period specified in his citation, reporting daily on Japanese aircraft activity.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 33 (September 12, 1942)
Home Town: Camberwell, Victoria, Australia
-7-
*WALKER, IAN W.
Lieutenant, Australian Imperial Force
2/7 Battalion
Date of Action: December 5, 1942
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ian W. Walker, Lieutenant, Royal Australian Imperial Forces, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Buna, New Guinea, on December 5, 1942. During an attack on strongly held enemy
positions in which a Bren Gun Carrier Section was put out of action, Lieutenant Walker went forward under heavy enemy
fire to the disabled carriers, which were located about half way between the enemy and our own lines, to remove the guns and
ammunition from the disabled carriers. After he had reached the first three carriers and removed the guns and ammunition, he
ordered nearby gunners to keep up their fire and told the enlisted men, who had accompanied him, to return to our lines.
Lieutenant Walker then went forward, armed with a submachine gun and under heavy enemy fire, in an attempt to reach a
fourth gun carrier to save the guns and ammunition from it. He was mortally wounded during this action and died shortly
after returning to our lines.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 7 (January 15, 1943)
Home Town: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
WOOTEN, GEORGE F.
Brigadier, Australian Army
Commander, 18th Infantry Brigade
Date of Action: July 23, 1942 - January 3, 1943
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George F. Wooten, Brigadier, Royal Australian Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action in New Guinea, during the Papuan Campaign, July 23, 1942 to January 3, 1943 As Commander, 18th
Infantry Brigade, Australian Army, Brigadier Wooten displayed extraordinary courage, marked efficiency and precise
execution of operations during the Papuan Campaign.
 Headquarters, Southwest Pacific, General Orders No. 5 (January 11, 1943)
Home Town: Australia
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Navy Cross - World War II
ARMSTRONG, JOHN MALET
Commodore 2nd Class, Royal Australian Navy
Commanding Officer, HMAS Australia
Date of Action: January 6 - 9, 1945
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John Malet Armstrong, Commodore 2nd Class, Royal Australian Navy, for conspicuously by
gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of HMAS Australia during the capture of Lingayen Gulf and the
landing on Luzon, Philippine Islands from 6 January to 9 January 1945. Although the Australia was heavily hit, suffering
heavy casualties and the disablement of a large portion of her anti aircraft guns and radar system, Captain Armstrong
maintained her assigned station and carried out her bombardment missions.
 Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 15 May 1947, p. 1325
Home Town: Australia
*BAND, JOHN MOREL
Lieutenant Commander, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve
Date of Action: September 22, 1943
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John Morel Band, Lieutenant Commander, Royal Australian Naval Reserve, for
extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy, as Officer in Charge of the Naval Beach Party that landed at Japanese
occupied Finschafen on 22 September 1943. He landed with the first wave in face of heavy enemy machine gun and mortar
fire. In absolute disregard for his own safety he repeatedly exposed himself in efforts to execute successfully the task that had
been assigned him, and in doing so, was mortally wounded. Demonstrating tenacious courage, he continued to direct his
group and was successful in diverting one group of landing craft which were about to land on the wrong beach in the face of
heavy enemy opposition. As the result of his wounds he fell unconscious on the beach and was returned to a field hospital
where he died. His daring leadership and devotion to duty contributed to the successful completion of a vital mission. He
gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
 Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 21 June 1945, p. 1352
Home Town: Australia
FARNCOMB, HAROLD BRUCE
Commodore, Royal Australian Navy
Commander, Royal Australian Squadron
Date of Action: January 6 - 9, 1945
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harold Bruce Farncomb, Commodore, Royal Australian Navy, for distinguishing himself
conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander, Royal Australian Squadron, during the capture of
Lingayen Gulf and the landing on Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 6 January to 9 January, 1945. During this period, in which
HMAS Australia was hit four times by enemy planes and HMAS Aruna seriously damaged, Commodore Farncomb
displayed a high degree of courage, determination and professional skill.
Home Town: Australia
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DSC – Vietnam War
PAYNE, KEITH
Chief Warrant Officer (WO-2), Royal Australian Army
Australian Army Training Team
Date of Action: May 24, 1969
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Keith Payne, Chief Warrant Officer (WO-2), Royal Australian Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. While personally leading the 212th Company, 1st
Mobile Strike Force Battalion, in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 May 1969, his company was attacked by an
overwhelming force of the North Vietnamese Army. The attack isolated the two lead companies. They then came under
heavy rocket and mortar fire and an infantry ground assault from three directions. This intensive attack caused the strike force
to begin withdrawing. Warrant Officer Payne, exposing himself to enemy fire, rallied the troops by firing his personal
weapon and running from position to position, collecting and hurling grenades at the attacking enemy. He was wounded in
his hands and arms. Despite his outstanding efforts, the indigenous soldiers retreated and the battalion commander and staff
retreated with them. Warrant Officer Payne covered this retreat by firing his weapons and throwing grenades. Under heavy
fire he ran across exposed terrain to stop the disorderly withdrawal - and as night fell - organized his company into defensive
perimeter. He then proceeded into enemy held territory collecting some forty wounded and lost soldiers. Upon returning to
the defensive perimeter, he found that his battalion had left. Undeterred he continued collecting staggers and led them and
four American soldiers to a final rendezvous where he supervised the evacuation of all wounded personnel. He refused to be
evacuated until all other wounded had departed the area. Through his sustained and courageous soldiery performance, he
saved the lives of his American comrades in arms and many Vietnamese soldiers, bringing great credit to the Australian and
United States Armies.
Other Award: Victoria Cross (Vietnam)
Born: August 30, 1933, Ingham, Queensland, Australia
Home Town: Australia
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New Zealand Recipients
DSC - World War II
KENNEDY, DONALD G.
Captain, Australia
Coast Watcher, Sergi Point, New Georgia
Date of Action:
Citation:
Citation Currently Not Available.
Birth: 3/12/1898 – Springhills, Southland, New Zealand
Home Town: Invercargill, New Zealand
Navy Cross - World War II
BRIDSON, GORDON
Lieutenant Commander, Royal New Zealand Navy
Commanding Officer, HMNZS Kiwi
Date of Action: January 29 & 30, 1943
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Gordon Bridson, Lieutenant Commander, Royal New Zealand Navy, for extraordinary
heroism in destroying a Japanese submarine at Kamimbo, near Guadalcanal, on January 29 and 30, 1943, while serving as
Commanding Officer of HMNZS Kiwi.
Birth: 12/2/1909 - Auckland, New Zealand
Home Town: Wellington, New Zealand
*BUCHANAN, CAMPBELL H.
Leading Signalman, Royal New Zealand Navy
HMNZS Kiwi
Date of Action: January 29 & 30, 1943
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Campbell H. Buchanan, Leading Signalman, Royal New Zealand Navy, for extraordinary
heroism in action against a Japanese submarine at Kamimbo, near Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands on the night of
January 29 and 30, 1943, while serving aboard the HMNZS Kiwi.
Birth: 4/7/1920 - Port Chalmers, New Zealand
Home Town: Port Chalmers, New Zealand
PHIPPS, PETER
Lieutenant Commander, Royal New Zealand Navy
Commanding Officer, HMNZS Moa
Date of Action:
Citation:
Citation Currently Not Available.
Birth: 6/7/1909 - Whitby, England
Home Town: Wellington, New Zealand
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British India Recipients
DSC - World War II
ALI, SHER
Sepoy, Royal British Indian Army
1st Battalion, 2d Punjab Regiment,
Date of Action: February 22, 1945
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sher Ali, Sepoy, Royal British Indian Army, for for extraordinary heroism in
action against the enemy near San Clemente, Italy on 22 February 1945. As a member of a six man patrol sent out to raid an
enemy position on the forward slope of a hill, Sepoy Sher Ali charged an enemy trench, bayoneted its occupants and then
assisted his patrol in killing two other enemy and capturing two prisoners. On the return journey, the patrol was suddenly
attacked by 15 Germans, whereupon Sepoy Sher Ali without hesitating charged the Germans, killed two with his bayonet,
and then turned to assist his comrades in killing three more. Upon seeing that there were only two members of his patrol left
Sepoy Sher Ali ordered them to withdraw while he exposed himself to enemy fire in order to cover their return to allied lines.
His gallantry and unswerving leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the Allied Nations.
 Headquarters, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 95 (June 22, 1945)
Home Town: Ferosepur, Punjab, India
WILSON, WILLES D.
Lieutenant, Royal British Indian Army
2d Battalion, 10th Gurkha Rifles,
Date of Action: September 12, 1944
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Willes D. Wilson, Lieutenant, Royal British Indian Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action against the enemy near Passano, Italy on 12 September 1944. When his company was halted by heavy
machine gun fire during an attack upon a strongly prepared enemy position in the rear of the German Gothic Line, Lieutenant
Wilson, as second in command, demonstrated great heroism, coolness and courage in leading his forward platoon directly
into a hand to hand assault on the enemy machine gun positions, personally killing two of the enemy and assisted in driving
back and killing six more. Proceeding further, he came under more heavy fire from a machine gun post and a tank which
were located on a hill. Without hesitation he led his men forward, killed four of the enemy and captured the tank and machine
gun position. His outstanding leadership and courage reflect great credit upon himself and the Allied Armies in Italy.
 Headquarters, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 95 (June 22, 1945)
Home Town: Belfast, Ireland
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British South Africa Recipient
DSC - World War II
LORD, FRED T.
Lieutenant, Royal British South African Union Defense Force
Imperial Light Horse Kimberly Regiment (Motor Battalion),
Date of Action: April 21, 1945
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fred T. Lord, Lieutenant, Royal British South African Union Defense Force,
for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy near Caldarara De Reno, Italy on 21 April 1945. As a Platoon
Commander in the Imperial Light Horse Kimberly Regiment, Lieutenant Lord's unit was the center element of a company
assault on the heavily defended enemy village of Calderara De Reno. Upon reaching the outskirts of the objective, the unit
was halted in its advance by a vicious crossfire of German machine guns. Lieutenant Lord inched his way forward under this
deadly hail of lead and viciously hurled hand grenades at the emplacements, silencing two machine guns. Immediately the
enemy brought an even greater amount of automatic fire to bear upon Lieutenant Lord's now exposed position. Undaunted
and displaying outstanding bravery, he leaped up, charged this new threat and with blazing submachine gun fire accounted
for the crews of two more positions. Continuing to move relentlessly forward as his platoon, now able to advance, followed
their fearless leader, he engaged another German strong point, killing or wounding seven of the enemy. Upon looking back
he saw one section of his platoon pinned down by fire which swept across the road leading to the objective. Returning to this
group he quickly rallied them and in the face of this intense fire led them into the town. By this extraordinary heroism
Lieutenant Lord personally destroyed five enemy positions in the advance toward his company's objective and another within
the village during the bitter street fighting, and in addition he and his men took eighty prisoners and killed an uncounted
number of Germans in this highly successful operation.
 Headquarters, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 250 (September 25, 1945)
Home Town: Johannesburg, South Africa
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HomeOfHeroes.com Electronic Books
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Doug is a popular author, speaker, Webmaster, and historian who has dedicated his life to preserving
the stories of our Nation’s greatest heroes. He has single-handedly authored more than 22,000 web pages in
his popular site at www.HomeOfHeroes.com, which receives more than 10 million hits each month. A
dedicated public servant in his hometown of Pueblo, Colorado; he initiated and organized several programs
to introduce Medal of Honor recipients to the community, including a series of school assemblies that
brought history and inspiration to more than 32,000 youth in one day of activities. He and his wife Pam’s
continuing programs resulted in the Pueblo community bidding for and hosting the Medal of Honor
convention in Pueblo in September 2000. Other activities have resulted in local schools promoting and
passing legislation in two states authorizing distinctive Medal of Honor license plates.
Doug is a decorated, two-tour veteran of service in Vietnam where he served as a squad leader in the
US Army. Following discharge from active duty he spent 6 years as a member of the Montana National
Guard. In 1999 Governor Bill Owens appointed Doug to the Colorado State Board of Veterans Affairs. In
2001 he was elected to a 2-year term as Chairman of the Colorado
State Board of Veterans Affairs.
In 1998 the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
recognized the continuing efforts of the Sterner Family when it
presented Doug with its prestigious and unique Distinguished
Citizens Award. More recent recognitions include the 2003
Southern Colorado Press Club’s annual Excellence in Media award,
and a recent recognition by F.B.I. Director Robert Mueller for his
Exceptional Service in the Public Interest for his work to protect
the integrity of military awards.
"As a patriot, speaker, writer and historian you are among the
best.
"The fact that Doug laughed at my jokes in Da Nang
(Vietnam) in 1971 has nothing to do with the praise I give him.
"Okay, It helped a little."
Mr. Bob Hope
Doug Sterner
3111 Thatcher – Pueblo, CO 81005
(719) 564-1755
Email: Doug@HomeOfHeroes.com