AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 308, 31 December 1942, Page 4

AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY

PRESENTED TO U.S. NAVY PERSONNEL (P.A.) Auckland, Dec. 30. Five members of the American Navy paraded in the compound of a naval hospital and received awards for gallant or distinguished service. This was the first time awards to United States Navy personnel have been presented in New Zealand, and the occasion was accompanied by impressive ceremonial. The Navy Cross, rhe highest of the strictly Navy decorations and the third-ranking award common to all American services, was awarded to Warrant-Officer H. A. Isbell. The Silver Star, also among the highest awards bestowed on American servicemen for gallantry in action, was presented to Seaman (2nd. Class) W. E. Gilcrease. Three United States Navy nurses, Ensign Mary Adams, Ensign Marie Hopkins, and Ensign Edith Mawhinney, received letters of commendation for devotion to duty beyond service demands. The decorations and awards were presented by Captain S. D. Jupp, senior United States Navy officer, and Captain J. H. Robbins, officer commanding the hospital, in the presence of officers and men drawn up in formation as they would have been on a ship’s deck. A United States band also paraded and pViyed the American National Anthem.

Captain Jupp briefly addressed the assembly. He congratulated those receiving the awards on their devotion to their service and commended their example to all attending the ceremony.