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Lot 3827      

Estimate $7,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au

NEW ZEALAND.PAIR: Military Medal (EIIR); Vietnam Medal.40066 Pte R.W. Day R.N.Z.Inf.Regt. Impressed. Edge knocks otherwise very fine.

M.M. L.G 15 April 1971 'Private Robert Wayne Day enlisted in the New Zealand Army of 2nd September 1968 and was assigned to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. He was posted to Victor Company in Malaysia in May 1969 and arrived in South Vietnam with his company in May 1970. On 18th June 1970 during Operation 'Cung Chung' Private Day was on patrol with 2nd Platoon Victor Company acting as the platoon medical orderly. At approximately 0750 hours, while engaged in reconnaissance of an enemy camp the platoon received casualties from a command detonated 105mm shell. At the same time the platoon came under heavy small arms fire and further casualties occurred. Private Day calmly moved among the wounded and gave medical assistance. In an attempt to reach the most badly wounded soldier who was located only 10 metres from the enemy position, Private Day moved to one side of the platoon, and completely disregarded intense enemy fire, rendered assistance to the wounded man. At this stage the platoon withdrew approximately 50 yards and Private Day was left alone with the wounded man. At a distance of 10 metres from the enemy, Private Day continued to assist and comfort the wounded soldier and at the same time fire his own rifle at the enemy, until the platoon was able to move forward again. Private Day, by his unselfish action in tending casualties under heavy fire and in deciding to remain with his patient, instead of withdrawing safely with the platoon, put his life in mortal danger. His devotion to duty is a credit to himself, his Regiment and the New Zealand Army.' Private Day, of Wellington, joined the Army in 1963 and served as a rifleman until leaving the Army in 1966. He re-enlisted in 1968 and the next year, was posted to the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment in Malaysia. In 1970, Private Day served with Victor Company on active service in South Vietnam. He returned to New Zealand in August, 1970 and after discharge joined the Australian Army serving with the S.A.S. at Swanbourne Barracks Perth W.A. Despite the recipient's gallantry in Vietnam, he holds a unique place in ANZAC history - because of the short length of service in Vietnam, he is only entitled to wear his MM and the Vietnam Medal and not the Vietnamese Campaign Medal. He contracted malaria and was invalided to New Zealand. His father had also served in the Republic of Vietnam with the RNZA as well as in the second world war and later Korea and Malaya in the 1950's. Together with: official copy of award citation; photographs of recipient in Vietnam; group photographs of 1 Platoon, W3 Company, ANZAC battalion November 1969 to November 1970 - V5 Company RNZIR May 1970 to May 1971 and W3 Company ANZAC battalion November 1969 to November 1970; copies of personal letters (relating to incidents in action) congratulatory telegrams relating to his award; letter advising of investiture at Government House Wellington; and newspaper reports relating to the award.