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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

  1. #1

    Default 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.

  2. #2
    PHILBROWN
    ?

    Default Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.

    love to see the citation for it, it was vicious fighting out there certainly well deserved

  3. #3

    Default 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

  4. #4
    PHILBROWN
    ?

    Default Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.

    hell, should of got two brave indeed

  5. #5

    Default 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.

  6. #6

    Default 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 !

  7. #7
    Rick
    ?

    Default Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.

    A very brave man and i would guess very modest with it.

    Rick

  8. #8

    Default Re: Last WWII Australian VC winner dies.

    Sad day indeed, Grant. thanks for making us aware of it :-(

    Jimbo

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