Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

9th Machine Gun Company, 9th Australian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

April 9th, 1917

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

3rd Machine Gun Battalion, 3rd Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

April 25th, 1918

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He personally led his battery of eight machine guns from his barrage position to a forward barrage position about 1,000 yards away under heavy fire. He inspired great confidence in his company, which was in action for the first time.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion, 24th Australian Infantry Brigade, 9th Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

September 24th, 1942

For cool, courageous and clever leadership at Tel El Eisa.
"At Tel El Eisa Lt Col D.A. WHITEHEAD commanded 2/32nd Bn in attack on first objective - high ground west of pt 22 87602950 - CAIRN 8754 2962 - on 22 Jul 42. From first light until last light his Bn. was heavily enagaged with German forces. The objective was gained and held despite fierce counter attacks and by enemy pressure throughout the day, which considerably depleted the strength of our forces. By his cool, courageous and clever leadership, Lt Col WHITEHEAD was mainly responsible for the successful result. He moved from flank to flank throuhgout the day, through hy and continuous fire, coolly summing up the situation and moving the subunits uinder his command to more advantageous positions to ensure the security of his Bn. and to enable his offensive weapons to deal with enemy strong posts. Many enemy casualties were caused, 65 German prisoners captured, 4 hy A Tk guns and much other material captured or destroyed. Col WHITEHEAD was an inspiration to his men throughout this attack and his actions an object lesson in calm, courageous and brilliant leadership."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion, 24th Australian Infantry Brigade, 9th Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

December 15th, 1942

For gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 26th Australian Infantry Brigade, 9th Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

February 11th, 1943

For great courage, skill and judgement at El Alamein.
In the Battle at El Alamein Brigadier Whitehead's Brigade was on the right flank of Eight Army and this was an open flank. In the initial attack on 23rd October, 1942, the Brigade was completely successful and for this the thorough and expert planning and preparation by its commander and the high quality of his leadership were largely responsible."

Second DSO received as bar.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 26th Australian Infantry Brigade, 9th Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

April 27th, 1944

For exceptional services in the field in New Guinea.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Headquarters, 26th Australian Infantry Brigade, 9th Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

March 8th, 1945

For outstanding leadership and service in the period September-December 1943.
"Brig. WHITEHEAD commanded 26 Australian Infantry Brigade which landed at RED BEACH East of LAE on the 4 September, 1943 and immediatle proceeded as advanced troops of the division westward along the coast towards LAE. He commanded his Brigade with distinction throughout the highly successful divisional operations which resulted in the early capture of LAE.
The Brigade embarked at "G" Beach LAE on night 19/20 October for FINSCHHAFEN landing at LANGEMAK BAY the following day and come[sic] into divisional reserve. At this time the Japanese 20 Division with elements of other divisions was in possession of SATELBERG mountain which dominated the area, also of the WAREO mountain to the North, and had recently made a divisional attack upon out [sic] position in the vicinity of KATIKA and SCARLET BEACH.
Thereafter the Brigade exploited northwards towards the coast, first capturing a vital point, then a series of defences to the east. Finally in conjunction with other units of the Division, the Brigade attacked the enemy's forward positions in the rear. The Brigade had the greatest task in the Division, and by hard, resolute and very stern fighting it successfully carried out all its tasks. Brigadier Whitehead exercised command with great courage and determination and with pronounced skill and judgement."
"The detailed Brigade plans for this series of operations were prepared by Brigadier WHITEHEAD, and his conduct of the operations was forceful and masterly showing excellent judgement and command, all of which largely contribute to the complete defeat of the enemy.
Brigadier WHITEHEAD was ordered to attack and capture the SATELBERG position and exploit towards WAREO, and later, the capture of WAREO. He had Fd Arty and Matilda tanks as supporting arms.
The country was difficult in the extreme, containing mountain ridges covered with dense jungle and bamboo scrubs, deep gorges with precipitous approaches, and razorback ridges.
The enemy had established strongly dug in positions, well sited and naturally camouflaged and in many cases particularly diffiuclt to apparoach from a flank. The operation involved a series of attacks by the units of the Bde Gropu. The first attack commenced on 17 November 1943. The attack was pushed home with great determination and vigour. Movement was necessarily slow and communications exceedingly hard to maintain. The enemy fought stubbournly but all attacks by 26 Aust inf Bde Gp. were pressed unceasingly and determinedly. On 18 Nov. COCONUT RIDGE a prominent feature below SATELBERG was captured. The final assault on SATELBERG itself was over the most precipitous terrain then encountered by the division in the campaign.. On 25 Nov. after continual hard fighting SATELBERG was captured.
The Brigade immediately began the apparoach to the strong enemy position and mountain base of WAREO. The country was similar and in some respects even more diffiuclt than that of SATELBERG. On 26 Nov. MOSANKOO was occupied and the next day MOGAKO, KUANKO, PEAK HILL and JOANGANG were occupied during the first week in December after determined fighting in precipitious country and on 8 Dec. WAREO was captured."

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With oak leaf