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Honours And Awards

The following were recipients of awards arising out of the battalion's operations on the Treasury Islands:—

American Legion of Merit: (Degree of Officer):

Major Gordon White Logan, commanded a detachment which landed on Soanotalu on the northern coast of Mono Island and was responsible for the defence of the radars established there. His small garrison was very hotly attacked by a considerable Japanese force on the night of 1-2 November, 1943. A very large number of Japanese were killed and the position was held, thereby ensuring the continued functioning of the radar installations and a very valuable warning device which was of benefit to the whole island force was kept in operation.

Military Medal:

Private J. E. Smith. The citation reads: Tor. gallant conduct during a determined enemy attack at Soanotalu at 2 November, 1943. Private Smith was with a party of ten including one officer and one staff-sergeant who defended the small beach at Soanotalu. The defenders were considerably outnumberd. When the officer and staff-sergeant had been mortally wounded and the situation was at its worst, Private Smith took command and, by his resolute actions and calmness, kept the defence intact, finally, after five hours fighting, completely annihilating that portion of the enemy force which had penetrated to the beach.'

Mention in Dispatches:

Major G. W. Logan; Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) L. J. Kirk; Corporal D. J. Flynn; Private C. H. Shersan.