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MacDonald, John Edward

Date of death:
1958
Service number:
NX 34890
Nationality:
Australian

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Awarded on:
May 9th, 1941
Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the Battle of Tobruk on 21 Jan. 41. Lieut. Macdonald attacked with his platoon a strongly held enemy post containing a field gun and six machine guns, and surrounded by a deep anti-tank ditch. On most of his platoon becoming disorganized in the ditch, Lieut. Macdonald with a couple of men advanced on the post and attacked it with grenades. A machine gun opened fire and killed one of the men, and this officer advanced alone, attacking with grenades. He was wounded once and continued, being again wounded in the body, but continued his advance, throwing grenades into the post. By the inspiring example and outstanding courage of this very gallant officer the post was finally captured."
Military Cross (MC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
March 6th, 1947
Citation:
For exceptional service in the field in S.W.P. Area."

'Capt Macdonald, in comd B and C Coys, with FOO party and native guides, moved out to raid 20 Jap Div HQ.' 1600, 'Macdonald Force moved silently to Jap HQ and attacked the enemy with complete surprise.' (This was the hunt to capture the Japanese general for which action Capt Macdonald was awarded the MID.)
Mentioned in Dispatches

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