BUTLER, David Matheson, Lieutenant (5/7006), 
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1950

Lieutenant Butler is cited for gallantry while serving as commanding officer of the lead platoon of C Company, 3 RAR, during the advance north of Yongyu, Korea, to join with units of the US 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team on 22 October 1950. On this date the company was in forced march to establish a link with the airborne troops. The enemy had set up a roadblock and flank positions. Lieutenant Butler's lead platoon came under heavy fire from three sides. He quickly organised an attack, reorganised and re-attacked, destroying over seventy enemy soldiers. For two hours Lieutenant Butler personally led the two assaults of his platoon, which succeeded in breaking the roadblock and continuing the advance. Throughout the engagement his conduct was exemplary and contributed largely to the success of the platoon. Lieutenant Butler's calm but determined leadership and heroism were major features in establishing an early junction with the US airborne troops. His gallantry in action was a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him or heard of his courage under fire.

JONES, Jeffrey, Corporal (2/3321), 
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1950

Corporal Jones, B Company, 3 RAR, 27 British Commonwealth Brigade, distinguished himself by gallantry in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Pakchon, Korea, on 6 November 1950. B Company was ordered to assault and capture a hill dominating the main road south of Pakchon. The enemy, both Chinese Communist Forces and North Koreans, were firmly entrenched on this commanding ground and fought tenaciously to prevent its capture. As the platoon neared the objective, the officer leading was killed. Corporal Jones immediately took command and, displaying outstanding initiative and leadership, continued to direct the attack. Despite the precipitous slopes of the hill and the effects of constant heavy machine-gun and mortar fire, he moved from section to section controlling and directing his platoon's fire. Against overwhelming odds, through his personal leadership and after five hours of bitter fighting, Corporal Jones's platoon seized its objective, killing 63 enemy soldiers and capturing numerous enemy weapons and equipment. Corporal Jones's action in immediately assuming command during a critical attack and successfully leading his platoon to victory against immense odds was a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him or heard of his courage under fire.

PATCH, Harold Edward, Temporary Corporal (2/3561), 
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1952

Temporary Corporal Patch, a member of 1 RAR, distinguished himself by gallantry in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Kangao-ri, Korea, on 2 July 1952. As patrol leader of a raiding party sent forward to neutralise a heavily fortified hostile emplacement which threatened the success of friendly elements in this area, he moved forward with enthusiasm and a determination that inspired his companions. Quickly manoeuvring up the steep slope towards the enemy bunkers, ignoring intense hostile fire, he organised his men for the final assault. Without hesitation, he led his patrol in a spirited charge through heavy machine-gun fire to the first of the enemy bunkers. On reaching the entrance, he discovered that the opening was only large enough for one man to enter at a time. As a comrade attempted to crawl into the tunnel-like entrance, he provided supporting fire. Suddenly a burst of automatic weapons fire from within the bunker wounded Corporal Patch and his companion. Disregarding his wound, he succeeded in pulling his companion from the opening and moved back inside to engage the enemy. Despite a second wound received in this action, he continued with his mission until the position had been neutralised. The courageous and aggressive action and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Patch were a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him or heard of his courage under fire.

STAFFORD, J. H., Private ( 5/400007 ), 
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1950

Private Stafford, a 3 RAR soldier, distinguished himself by gallantry in action against the enemy north of the Chongchon River in Korea on 29 October 1950. During a company action which ultimately cleared the main axis of advance for the US 24th Infantry Division to which his unit was attached, Private Stafford displayed such individual courage and initiative that he made it possible for his platoon to secure its objective. During the platoon's advance towards the objective, intense enemy small arms fire halted the platoon and pinned it down. Private Stafford's section was ordered to advance but again encountered intense enemy fire which resulted in several casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety and in spite of the enemy fire which continued to sweep the area, Private Stafford moved alone around the right flank and destroyed an enemy light machine-gun position. In doing so he exposed himself to fresh enemy fire from the main enemy position. Although he could not advance further in the face of this fire, Private Stafford, from his exposed position, placed such accurate and effective fire on the enemy with the Bren gun he was carrying that the rest of his section was able to advance and bring additional fire to bear on the enemy. Aided by this fire Private Stafford again advanced alone firing his Bren gun from the hip with such devastating effect that the entire platoon was able to advance and seize the objective. During the reorganisation Private Stafford moved forward of the platoon position to clear the front. Discovering what appeared to be a camouflaged dugout, he fired a burst from his Bren gun into what seemed to be the opening but was in fact ammunition on the side of a concealed tank. The resulting explosion blew away the camouflage and drove out the tank crew. The tank was later destroyed. Through the entire campaign Private Stafford showed outstanding courage and was an inspiration to all members of his unit. His masterful use of the Bren gun and his complete disregard for his own safety have repeatedly been the deciding factor in carrying his unit to success over numerically superior enemy forces. The gallantry displayed by Private Stafford was a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him or heard of his courage under fire.

COUSINS, John, Private (3/400022), 
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1950

Private Cousins, a Bren gunner from 9 Platoon, C Company, 3 RAR, distinguished himself by heroic action north of Yongyu, Korea, on 22 October 1950. Private Cousins' unit was advancing rapidly to contact elements of the US 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team that had made a drop north of Pyongyang. When Private Cousins' platoon came under heavy fire from the front and both flanks, he quickly moved into action with his Bren gun, showing complete disregard for his own personal safety. Private Cousins moved from side to side and through open paddy fields to deliver heavy and accurate fire on the enemy's position and to enable his platoon to close on the assault. His dash and initiative in applying heavy fire contributed largely to the platoon's success and prevented many casualties. Private Cousins' heroism was a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him or heard of his courage under fire.

GARDNER, Leslie G., Captain (6/3759), 
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

Captain Gardner distinguished himself by meritorious service as S-2 Section, UN Command Prisoner of War Camp Number Six, in Korea from 13 July to 29 August 1953. When the transfer of a large group of dissident prisoners necessitated more stringent control throughout the camp, he was selected as S-2 with the exacting assignment of conducting intelligence operations to uncover those activities and political groups which were creating dissent and situations inimical to the UN cause. With the aid of one assistant, he skilfully interrogated all prisoners and rapidly assessed and compiled detailed data which led to the discovery of several clandestine political groups which were planning a daring escape. Through his outstanding ability and devotion to duty, he thwarted a plan potentially dangerous to security and materially enhanced the prestige of the UN command. Captain Gardner's skill and accomplishments were a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him or heard of his outstanding achievements.

ZWOLANSKI, Ludwik B., Lieutenant (VX700232), 
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1952

Lieutenant Zwolanski, a member of 3 RAR, distinguished himself by heroism in action against the enemy in Korea on 14 August 1952. Lieutenant Zwolanski was leading a platoon in an assault on a well-fortified enemy position. Advancing toward its objective, the platoon encountered intense enemy mortar fire and was forced to seek cover. Determined not to be thwarted by this adverse turn of events, and with a complete disregard for his own personal safety, he left his position of cover and moved forward into a hail of hostile fire, shouting words of encouragement to his men. Inspired by this spontaneous display of courage and determination, the platoon quickly rallied about him and resumed the attack with renewed vigour and spirit, successfully reaching its objective. The confidence, resolute leadership, and unyielding devotion to duty exhibited by Lieutenant Zwolanski during this action were a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him or heard of his bravery under fire.

BOYS, Bruce G. F., Lieutenant (5/7014), 
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

Lieutenant Boys, 2 RAR, distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement during a flight as an observer in an unarmed T- 6 aircraft while serving on temporary duty with the 6147th Tactical Control Group, Fifth Air Force, on 26 June 1953. During a tactical control mission to the western front in Korea, Lieutenant Boys expertly directed four flights of fighter-bomber aircraft in attacks on enemy strong points from which more than ten thousand enemy troops were attacking friendly forces. After making a low altitude reconnaissance of the target area, Lieutenant Boys contacted the fighter-bombers and led them to the targets. Despite intense and accurate flak and small arms fire, Lieutenant Boys remained at low altitude over the target for more than one hour and thirty minutes directing the sixteen fighter-bombers in their attack runs. The strikes effectively destroyed twelve bunkers, seven personnel firing bays, four personnel shelters, and also damaged two mortar positions, five caves and two hundred yards of trenches and cut a vital supply road. Through his high personal courage, keen airmanship and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Boys was instrumental in the successful defeat of an enemy attack and was a source of inspiration to those in the Far East Air Forces and the Australian Regular Army.

BREEN, Augustine E.J., Lieutenant (2/35037), 
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

HATFIELD, Leslie K., Captain (1/7518), 
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

Captain Hatfield, 3 RAR, distinguished himself during a flight as an observer in an unarmed T-6 aircraft while serving on temporary duty with the 6147th Tactical Control Group, Fifth Air Force, on 10 June 1953. While on a tactical control mission near Kumhwa, Korea, Captain Hatfield voluntarily searched for a fighter-bomber pilot who had parachuted behind enemy lines after his aircraft was destroyed by anti-aircraft fire. Although Captain Hatfield knew the area was defended by a heavy concentration of enemy anti-aircraft and machine-guns, and despite the hazards of low level flight with poor visibility, he remained over enemy territory for more than an hour in the face of intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Even after receiving three different hits on his aircraft, Captain Hatfield did not abandon the search. Later, despite intense small arms fire, he led a helicopter into an area where the downed pilot had been sighted. Through his outstanding courage, airmanship and devotion to the best interests of the military service, Captain Hatfield was a source of inspiration to those in the Far East Air Forces and the Australian Regular Army.

BOYS, Bruce G.F., Lieutenant (5/7014), 
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

Lieutenant Boys, 2 RAR, distinguished himself through meritorious achievement while participating in flights from 17 April 1953 to 30 April 1953. Serving on temporary duty with the 6147th Tactical Control Group, Fifth Air Force, Lieutenant Boys participated in numerous flights in support of UN forces to target areas behind enemy lines. Despite the hazards involved, Lieutenant Boys flew as an observer in an unarmed T- 6 aircraft which penetrated areas of ground activity to locate enemy targets and direct close support aircraft. Through his outstanding airmanship, courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Boys contributed substantially to the success of UN operations in Korea, and was a source of inspiration to those in the Far East Air Forces and the British Commonwealth Forces.

BREEN, Augustine E.J., Lieutenant (2/35037), 
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

Lieutenant Breen, 2 RAR, distinguished himself through meritorious achievement while participating in flights from 10 April 1953 to 22 April 1953. Serving on temporary duty with the 6147th Tactical Control Group, Fifth Air Force, Lieutenant Breen participated in numerous flights in support of UN forces to target areas behind enemy lines. Despite the hazards involved, Lieutenant Breen flew as an observer in an unarmed T- 6 aircraft which penetrated areas of ground activity to locate enemy targets and direct close support aircraft. Through his outstanding airmanship, courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Breen contributed substantially to the success of UN operations in Korea, and was a source of inspiration to those in the Far East Air Forces and the British Commonwealth Forces.

HATFIELD, Leslie K., Captain (1/7518), 
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

Captain Hatfield, 3 RAR, distinguished himself through meritorious achievement while participating in flights from 18 April 1953 to 1 May 1953. Serving on temporary duty with the 6147th Tactical Control Group, Fifth Air Force, Captain Hatfield participated in numerous flights from an airstrip in Korea to target areas behind enemy lines. Despite the hazards involved, Captain Hatfield flew as an observer in an unarmed T-6 aircraft which penetrated areas of ground activity to locate enemy targets and direct close support aircraft. Through his outstanding airmanship, courage and devotion to duty, Captain Hatfield contributed substantially to the success of UN operations in Korea, and was a source of inspiration to those in the Far East Air Forces and the British Commonwealth Forces.

The United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation 
3 RAR, 23 June 1951

The 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, was awarded the United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation-Kapyong, Korea, 23-24 April 1951:
Citation:

3RD BATTALION, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT
2ND BATTALION, PRINCESS PATRICIA'S CANADIAN LIGHT INFANTRY 
COMPANY A, 72ND HEAVY TANK BATTALION (UNITED STATES)

are cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of combat duties in action against the armed enemy near Kapyong, Korea, on 24 and 25 April 1951. The enemy had broken through the main line of resistance and penetrated to the area north of Kapyong. The units listed above were deployed to stem the assault. The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, moved to the right flank of the sector and took up defensive positions north of the Pukham River. The 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, defended in the vicinity of Hill 677 on the left flank. Company A, 72nd Heavy Tank Battalion, supported all units to the full extent of its capacity and, in addition, kept the main roads open and assisted in evacuating the wounded. Troops from a retreating division passed through the sector which enabled enemy troops to infiltrate with the withdrawing forces. The enemy attacked savagely under the clamor of bugles and trumpets. The forward elements were completely surrounded going through the first day and into the second. Again and again the enemy threw waves of troops at the gallant defenders, and many times succeeded in penetrating the outer defences, but each time the courageous, indomitable, and determined soldiers repulsed the fanatical attacks. Ammunition ran low and there was no time for food. Critical supplies were dropped by air to the encircled troops, and they stood their ground in resolute defiance of the enemy. With serene and indefatigable persistence, the gallant soldiers held their defensive positions and took heavy tolls of the enemy. In some instances when the enemy penetrated the defences, the commanders directed friendly artillery fire on their own positions in repelling the thrusts. Toward the close of 25 April, the enemy breakthrough had been stopped. The seriousness of the breakthrough on the central front had been changed from defeat to victory by the gallant stand of these heroic and courageous soldiers. The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment; 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry; and Company A, 72nd Heavy Tank Battalion, displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing their missions under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set them apart and above other units participating in the campaign, and by their achievements they brought distinguished credit on themselves, their homelands, and all freedom-loving nations.

BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL VAN FLEET 
Leven C. Allen 
Major General US Army Chief of Staff

This book will serve as a permanent tribute to the infantrymen of the Royal Australian Regiment in Korea.