Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

28th New Zealand Maori Battalion, 6th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

January 20th, 1942

Citation:
"Within half an hour of the opening attack on hill 175 on Sunday 23 Nov when his platoon commander was killed, No 31635 sgt Harry Redfearn Martin took over command of his platoon and remained in command for the succeeding eight days of action. During the afternoon of the 23rd when his platoon was enfiladed with heavy M.G. fire from the left rear and the right front and also from enemy tanks, this N.C.O. by most skilful use of fire and movement succeeded in pushing home a series of local counter attacks and in consequence succeeded in neutralising enemy opposition in a strong M.G. position. His leadership, courage and self sacrifice was an inspiration to his platoon and it was due to his skilful handling that his casualties were minimised without in anyway reducing the effectiveness of the attack."