PARADE OF U.S. BATTALION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 59, 10 March 1944, Page 4

PARADE OF U.S. BATTALION

NINE SOLDIERS DECORATED (P.A.) Auckland, March 9. With band playing and Hags gaily fluttering, a parade ol American infantry was held in the Auckland Outer Domain this afternoon to do honour to nine soldiers who were decorated for heroism and gallantry under fire, and other outstanding service in the memorable Munda campaign on New Georgia Island. It was a colourful spectacle, and was witnessed by a large gathering of the general public. Among those who witnessed the ceremony from the review stand were the Mayor, Mr. J. C. Allum, in his official robes, Mr. Justice Fair, Maf>General P. H. Bell, officer commanding the Northern Military District, Commander Wilson, the American consul, Mr. Hiram Boucher, members of the New Zealand Officers Club ano representatives of all unit commands of the American Forces. The following decorations were presented:— Legion of Merit.—Captain F. A. Bixwell Goff (Rhode Island), Corporal L. N. Tillson Jnr. (Mississippi). Silver Star. Lieutenant - Colonel Herbert E. Welch (Connecticut), Caplain Captain Dudley H. Burr (Connecticut), Second-Lieutenant Joseph A. Harrington (Louisiana), Sergeant Norman F. La Rose (Rhode Island*. Corporal Columbus J. Carta (Connecticut', Prix ate Robert O. Wright (Illinois >. Solders' Med# I. Theodore R. Awbrey (Connecticut*.