DESERTED TO FIGHT WITH YANKS
TWO AUSTRALIANS CHARGED DECORATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR DISTINCTION Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright (Rec, 12.40 p.m.) MELBOURNE, April 29. " You know they have done wrong, but you cannot help admiring them," said the defending officer at the, court martial of two young Victorian soldiers who had left their unit in New Guinea to fight with the Americans in the Philippines. The men—Privates Les-, lie Victor James and Frank Dudley Travers—were charged with desertion. James had enlisted when 19 and Travers when 27. Both men served in Greece and Crete. Letters from the American army produced at the court martial stated that James had been recommended for the Silver Star and Travers for the bronze star and the Purple Heart for their part in the fighting on' Luzon. However, because of their unusual status, they were unable to receive the decorations.
The officer who commanded the regiment in which the two men served in North Africa, Greece, and Crete, praised them as valiant soldiers. His only complaint was that they pestered him with requests for more action.
The decision of the court martial will be promulgated later.
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Evening Star, Issue 25471, 30 April 1945, Page 4
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188DESERTED TO FIGHT WITH YANKS Evening Star, Issue 25471, 30 April 1945, Page 4
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