GALLANTRY IN DESERT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25015, 8 September 1942, Page 2

GALLANTRY IN DESERT

AWARD TO OTAGO SERGEANT (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent) CAIRO, Sept. 3.

How he controlled a section of machine guns at Ruweisat Ridge on July 15 with great skill and courage is told in the citation accompanying the immediate award of the Military Medal to Sergeant M. W. .Cross, Machine Gun Battalion. His next of kin is his mother, who lives at Warepa. Sergeant Cross, from his observation post and under constant fire, directed his guns with telling effect against the enemy. There was no line or other communications with his company headquarters, and twice during the day he went back under heavy fire to report on the situation. Numbers of Italians surrendered, and Sergeant Cross was ordered to collect their wounded. He did so, and also collected a number of our own men. On his way back from the main dressing station Sergeant Cross saw a wounded New Zealander lying in a minefield. He went into the minefield and got the man back to the medical officer. Throughout the day he made three journeys to the rear under heavy fire. He showed a complete disregard for his own safety. The handling of his machine guns was exemplary, and his cheerfulness and energy were a constant inspiration to all about him. The award of the Military Medal has been made to Driver Oswald Martin, of the New Zealand Reserve Motor Transport. He comes from Nukatawhiti. The citation which tells of the exploits which won him the decoration is secret.