AMERICANS HONOURED

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22244, 13 January 1944, Page 3

AMERICANS HONOURED

KING CONFERS KNIGHTHOODS CANBERRA, Jan. 12 The King has conferred Knighthoods on two Americans, LieutenantGeneral R. L. Eic-helberger and Lieutenant-Qreneral G. C. Kenney, for their services in the South-west Pacific. Lieutenant-General Kenney commands the Allied Air Forces in this area, while Lieutenant Eichelberger was commander in the Buna sector during the Papuan campaign. Both have been made Knight Commanders of the Order of the British Empire. As Americans they will not use the title of “Sir,” but will wear the special ribbon of the Order. Lieutenant-Generai A. Vandegrift, Commander of the United States Marines in the first Solomons campaign, and Major-General R. Sutherland, Chief of Staff to General MacArthur, have been made Commanders of the Order of the British Empire. The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr J. Curtin, said he learned of the awards with great pleasure. He emphasised the fact that the awards had been made in recognition of the gallant and distinguished services of United States officers and men in co-operation with* the Australian forces.. Generals Decorate*! The King, through General Si: Henry Maitland Wilson, Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean. h3s conferred honours upon 31 members of the United States forces, including three generals, serving in the Mediterranean area. Major-General W. B. Smith. Chief of Staff to General Eisenhower, is made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. Major-General G. S. Patton, Commander of the United States Seventh Army, is made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. Lieutenant-General M. W. Clark, Commander of the United States Fifth Army, is made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. i