Australian Groups

Lot 4641    Session 15 ( 7.30pm Thursday 20th November)    Australian Groups

Estimate $1,600
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $3,000

PAIR TO QUEEN'S MEDALLIST: Vietnam Medal 1964-73; South Vietnam Campaign Medal 1964-72, - clasp - 1960-. M.B. Ward R.A.N. on first medal, M.B. Ward on second medal. First medal impressed, second medal engraved. Display mounted on board using double sided tape, the medals swing mounted, good very fine.

Together with the following;

1. A matching set of swing mounted miniatures.

2. United States Meritorious Unit Citation.

3. Queen's Medal of the Royal Australian Naval College, engraved on rim 'Michael B. Ward 1955.' This medal (45mm, 59.6gms; 9ct gold) is awarded annually by the Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Naval College to the Cadet Midshipman who is considered most deserving of the honour. It is awarded for gentlemanly behaviour, character, good influence amongst his fellows and officer-like qualities. The recipient has his name enrolled on an honour board at the college. The initials 'QM' appear after his name in the Navy List.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 54 (lot 4302) July 1997.

01221 LCDR Michael Bernard Ward, born 10Jan1938 at Sydney; commenced service 01Jan1952 as Cadet Midshipman; awarded Queen's Gold Medal 1955; 14Sep1956 on loan to RN for training; 01Sep1957 ASLT; 01Mar1959 SBLT; 01Mar1960 LEUT; 02Sep1963 on loan to RN for training; 01Mar1968 LCDR; served on HMAS Vampire 14Nov1966 to 06Jun1968 with service in Vietnam from 13Apr1967 to 05May1967, and on HMAS Perth from 27Jun1968 to 06Nov1969 with service in Vietnam from 19Sep1968 to 12Apr1969; in July1969 LCDR Ward was awarded a Naval Board Commendation for commendable service on HMAS Perth; he was also awarded a U.S. Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, viz: 'The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the Meritorious Unit Commendation to HMAS PERTH (D38) for service as set forth in the following:

'For meritorious service from 24 September, 1968 to March, 1969 while participating in combat operations against enemy aggressor forces in South-East Asia. As a member of the United States SEVENTH Fleet assigned to SEA DRAGON operations, HMAS PERTH contributed significantly to SEVENTH Fleet combat operations by conducting numerous successful fire missions against heavily defended enemy logistic installations and lines of communications. When PERTH was engaged by enemy shore batteries on two occasions, the combination of her crew members' spirited teamwork and capable leadership produced quick and precise evasive action to spare the ship any material or personnel casualties. PERTH's highly accurate fire inflicted heavy losses on enemy assets and was instrumental in assuring the success of allied operations wherever she was stationed.

The outstanding performance, superlative accomplishments, and inspiring devotion to duty displayed by the officers and men of HMAS PERTH throughout her deployment, reflect credit upon themselves and the Royal Australian Navy.'