Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.
Article about: A sad day for a true heroes family, lest we forget!! The last Australian WWII Victoria Cross winner has died, I have put a small article about Mr Kenna below for you to have a look at. These
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Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.
A sad day for a true heroes family, lest we forget!!
The last Australian WWII Victoria Cross winner has died, I have put a small article about Mr Kenna below for you to have a look at.
These true heroes, need to always be rememberd, as well as ALL those who served.
Vale,
Grant
WAR veteran Ted Kenna made an outstanding contribution to the nation and will be remembered for his courage, Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said.
Mr Kenna, Australia's last surviving Victoria Cross winner from World War II, died yesterday, aged 90.
His death was a sad day for the nation, Ms Gillard said in a joint statement with Veterans Affairs Minister Alan Griffin.
"Ted Kenna was a great Australian," they said, adding his story of bravery in New Guinea in 1945 was "extraordinary".
"Private Kenna made an outstanding contribution to the nation and he will be remembered for his courage."
"It is a very sad day and, if you like, almost an end of an era," Mr Griffin later told Sky News.
"We've only got two surviving VC winners now, and Ted was the last of 20 who were awarded that high honour during World War II."
Only 97 Victoria Cross medals have been awarded for acts of bravery since 1900.
Mr Kenna's death follows the passing of Australia's last surviving World War I veteran, Jack Ross, aged 110, in June.
Mr Griffin said about 100,000 Australian World War II veterans were still living.
"But certainly the death of the last VC winner is in itself a sad moment." he said.
Details of a memorial service will be made public at a later time.
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Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.
love to see the citation for it, it was vicious fighting out there certainly well deserved
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Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.
Here you go Phil,
It is interesting reading, makes you realise some guys were true heroes
The KING has been graciously pleased to
approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS
tor-
No. VX. 102142 Private Edward KENNA,
2/4 Australian Infantry Battalion,
Australian Military Forces.
In the South West Pacific at Wewak on
I5th May, 1945, during the attack on the
Wirui Mission features, Private Kenna's
company had the task of capturing certain
enemy positions. The only position from
which observation for supporting fire could
be obtained was continuously swept by
'enemy heavy machine gun fire and it was not
possible to bring Artillery or Mortars into
action.
Private Kenna's platoon was ordered
forward to deal with the enemy machine
; gun post, so that the company operation
could proceed. His section moved as close
as possible to the bunker in order to harass
any enemy seen, so that the remainder of
the platoon could attack from the flank.
When the attacking sections came into view
of the enemy they were immediately
engaged at very close range by heavy automatic
fire from a position not previously
disclosed. Casualties were suffered and the
attackers could not move further forward.
Private Kenna endeavoured to put his Bren
gun into a position where he could engage
the bunker, but was unable to do so because
of the nature of the ground. On his own
initiative and without orders Private Kenna
immediately stood up in full view of the
enemy less than fifty yards away and
engaged the bunker, firing his Bren gun
from the hip. The enemy machine gun
immediately returned Private Kenna's fire
and with such accuracy that bullets actually
passed between his arms and his body.
Undeterred, he remained completely exposed
and continued to fire at the enemy
until his magazine was exhausted. Still
making a target of himself, Private Kenna
discarded his Bren gun and called for a
rifle. Despite the intense machine gun fire,
he seized the rifle and, with amazing coolness,
killed the gunner with his first round.
A second automatic opened fire on Private
Kenna from a different position and another
of the enemy immediately tried to move into
position behind the first machine gun, but
Private Kenna remained standing and
killed him with his next round.
The result of Private Kenna's magnificent
bravery in the face of concentrated fire, was
that the bunker was captured without
further loss, and the company attack proceeded
to a successful conclusion, many
enemy being killed and numerous automatic
weapons captured.
There is no doubt that the success of the
company attack would have been seriously
endangered and many casualties sustained
but for Private Kenna's magnificent
courage and complete disregard for his own
safety. His action was an outstanding
example of the highest degree of bravery.
Wow
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Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.
Well deserved, such bravery and valor under fire. His actions would indeed have saved allot of men.
Thanks for posting Grant.
Lest we forget! -
Darren.
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Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.
Thise is a part of truth history that intrest me the most, the personal history of individuals involved in turbulent times.
Great story, great guy !
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Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.
A very brave man and i would guess very modest with it.
Rick
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Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.
Sad day indeed, Grant. thanks for making us aware of it :-(
Jimbo
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