MEDAL FOR CHCH MAN

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32861, 9 March 1972, Page 3

MEDAL FOR CHCH MAN

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, March 8.

Awards to New Zealand servicemen for gallantry and distinguished service in South Vietnam were announced yesterday by the Governor-General (Sir Arthur Porritt). Lance-Corporal J. L. Adams, of Christchurch, has been awarded the Military Medal.

It is the fourth won by a New Zealander in South Vietnam. Corporal Adams was with Victor Company m South Vietnam. On June 25, 1971, in Phuoc Tuy Province, he led a party to rescue three wounded men from a tank which had been crippled by enemy rocket fire. In spite of fire being directed at him, Corporal Adams mounted the tank to guide, his men and encouraged the wounded. He then arranged for the wounded men to be flown out by helicopter. HELICOPTER PILOT

Lieutenant G. Steel, of Hobsonville, who was bom in Greymouth and educated in Christchurch, has been awarded the Distinguished Cross. Lieutenant Steel commanded an infantry platoon in South Vietnam in 1968. He qualified as an Army pilot and returned in. 1971 as a helicopter pilot with the 161st (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight. Lieutenant Steel’s previous experience enabled him to recognise quickly signs of enemy activity and he contributed much valuable information on enemy movements and installations, says his citation. He displayed determination and skill in seeking out the enemy, flying his unarmed helicopter at low speed at a tree-top height over known or suspected enemy areas. STAFF OFFICER Captain R. Munro, of Invercargill, has been mentioned in dispatches. He was with the General Staff (Intelligence) Section of the First Australian Task Force Headquarters. As general staff officer he worked long hours and by his dedication and persistence ensured that timely and reliably based intelligence was passed to units and to the staff, says the citation. Private T. Parekura, of Rotorua, has been mentioned

in dispatches. He served with Victor Company in South Vietnam. On June 25, 1971, in Phuoc Tuy Province, Private Parekura was in a machinegun crew when his platoon came under heavy enemy fire.

He assisted a nearby machine-gunner who was wounded, and when the platoon broke contact to take out its wounded, he assisted in rearguard action.

Private Parekura repeatedly exposed himself to mark the platoon position with smoke for the helicopter gunships, says the citation.