Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

2/7 Australian Independent Company, 6th Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

May 18th, 1943

Citation:
"On 29 Jan. 43 this officer was 2 i/c of a force attacking up the BLACK CAT TRACK. As the only officer of this force with thorough knowledge of the country, Lieut. Dunshea moved throughout the advance as a forward scout. First contact made with the enemy occured when Lieut. Dunshea shot four enemy in a forward post. The force then deployed and attacked, met very heavy opposition and was pinned down. Lieut. Dunshea sighted an enemy party moving to out-flank his force. Realizing the danger, and unable to make contact with his comd. or gain any help or support this officer moved down alone to cut off this enemy party which consisted of 12 men and one Alsatian dog. Lieut. Dunshea is known to have shot five of this party, and was himself wounded. He then charged the remaining enemy, firing his T.S.M.G. killing one more. The res fled. His courageous action prevented an encircling move which would have placed the force in a very precarious position and thus allowed the force to advance to a grenade assault which inflicted heavy casualties and forced the enemy to withdraw. Lieut. Dunshea is strongly recommended for an Immediate award of the Military Cross."

LG 36018/2208.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

2/7 Commando Squadron, 2/6 Cavalry Commando Regiment, 6th Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

April 27th, 1944

Citation:
"Lieut DUNSHEA is an officer of outstanding ability. He rec the M.C. for gallantry during the WAU operation, and since that date his work over the period to Nov 43 has shown the highest degree of military skill, courage, and strength of purpose.
This officer carried out the initial and successful recce of the BOGADJIM - BOROAI road, at a time when Japanese troops dominated the whole of the RAMU VALLEY. This recce was of extraordinary value, and the penetration of ground covered by hostile natives and intense enemy patrolling required peculiar courage.
Lieut DUNSHEA was normally accompanied only by one soldier and one native constable, and a relay of these was kept on hand, as the endurance and speed of this officer was so great as to exhaust normal soldiers and natives after one task.
This officer made detailed reconnaissance of the country between the headwaters of the RAMU RIVER and SAKERAK where 7 Aust Div advanced troops has reached. His information given to 7 Aust Div of enemy positions and movements was of great value. On several occasions where stealth meant sacrifice of time, Lieut DUNSHEA took extraordinary personal risk, and shot his way out of trouble. Unable to make contact with his Unit without losing time, Lieut DUNSHEA immediately proceeded in advance of 7 Aust Div's forward troops and set off for a further recce into the FINISTERRE foothills towards the BOGADJIM road.
Lieut DUNSHEA has constandly set an example to all ranks of the greatest courage and devotion to duty."

Second Military Cross awarded in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first MC.
LG 36486/1927.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

2/8 Australian Commando Squadron

Awarded on:

October 29th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)