Rank:

Iban Tracker

Unit:

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, British Army

Awarded on:

November 20th, 1951

"When the ambush was sprung the leading scout was killed instantly and the Section Commander fatally wounded, AWANG anak RAWANG [sic] was hit through the thigh bone but the bullet passed right through the bone without shattering it. At the same time Pte HUGHES, moving behind AWANG anak RAWANG, was hit below the knee, the bullet completely shattering the bone. AWANG anak RAWANG though wounded and lying exposed under heavy rifle and automatic fire, collected his own weapons and that of Pte HUGHES and dragged Pte HUGHES into the cover of the jungle. AWANG disregarding completely his own wound in view of the impending bandit attack took up a fire position to defend HUGHES. There he remained firing on every attempt made by the bandits to approach, kill himself and HUGHES and secure their arms. Due to his determined and courageous conduct he successfully drove off several such attacks. Ultimately AWANG was again wounded, the bullet shattering his right arm and rendering further use of his rifle or parang impossible. Despite loss of blood from his undressed wounds, he dragged himself over to Pte HUGHES, took a grenade from his pouch and with his teeth pulled out the pin. He resumed his position on guard the grenade in his left hand and defied the bandits to approach. So resolute was his demeanor that the a who had maintained their attacks for some forty minutes withdrew leaving AWANG in possession of the battle-field.
His conduct is an example of the highest courage. The devotion to duty and disregard of his own life shown will inspire all who hear of it and is most worthy of recognition."

He was the only Malaysian to have been awarded this decoration.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 22nd, 2018

"Malaya"