SCOUTING EPIC

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 180, 1 August 1944, Page 6

SCOUTING EPIC

BEHIND JAP. LINES SERGEANTS U.S. AWARD Brilliant scouting work behind the Japanese lines on New Georgia has won for a New Zealand soldier, Sergeant N. B. MacKenzie, of Nangakowhai, Piopio (near Te

Kuiti), the award of the United States Legion of Merit, degree of legionaire. This is the first U.S. award of this decoration to a New Zealand soldier in this area.

Sergeant MacKenzie, who was a member of the First Commando * .ji Guerillas, popularly known as the South Pacinc Scouts, will receive his award at the hands of Colonel James A. Boyers, commanding officer, United States Army Forces and Service Command in New Zealand, at a ceremonial parade at Papakura camp at 4 p.m. on Thursday.

The citation accompanying the award states: "Sergeant N. B. MacKenzie <68601), South Pacific Scouts: For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services with American forces "in New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from July 4to 25, 1943. A shrewd and agile scout, Sergeant MacKenzie worked his way regularly behind the lines of the enemy to reconnoitre hostile positions and installations. Accurate Informatics "The thoroughness of his reconnaissance was particularly eminent at Shimizu Hill, one of the enemy's strong points guarding Munda airfield. His detailed description of Japanese pillboxes, connecting trenches and dugouts was of inestimable value in overcoming resistance at the hilL

"On one occasion during the campaign he discovered the location of a strong Japanese unit which had caused numerous casualties and impeded the advance. The accuracy of his information made possible effective artillery shelling. Sergeant MacKenzie's autitude in coping with difficult and dangerous scouting problems peculiar to jungle warfare was of immense value to the American forces." •

The citation, which is dated January 29, 1944, is signed personally by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Secretary of War, Mr. Henry L. Stimson.

For "O'ntstending Service"

The Legion of Merit, which ranks fourth in American precedence, following the Congressional Medal of Honour, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Service Medal, is, in accordance with an order issued by General George Washington, at his headquarters, Newburgh, New York, on August 7, 1782_, awarded "for extraordinary fidelity and exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service." Sergeant MaeKenzie, who has been demobilised, is at present working as a painter in Te Kuiti. At the same timfe that this award is made Major-General P. H. Bell, officer commanding the Northern Military District, will present two Meritorious Service Medals. The recipients of these will be Major and Quartermaster John Francis Gallagher, R.N.Z.A., and Lieutenant and Quartermaster Leslie Mossong, R.N.Z.A. Both are members of the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Only twenty of these Service medals can be held in the New Zealand forces at one time.