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NX15405 - McALISTER, Albert James, A/U/WO2
Nominal Roll details
Military Medal (MM)
"Sgt. McAlister was in command of one section of mortars at
GEMAS and throughout that action was responsible for the
destruction of one enemy tank, one heavy and at least 3 light
Machine Guns in addition to a very large number of enemy
personnel. His leadership of his section showed outstanding
bravery and despite enemy shelling of his mortar position and
subsequent low-level bombing by aircraft he continued to use his
mortar with serious results to the enemy.
This man's personal and brave leadership was witnessed by me and
considering his continuing to fire would be dangerous to his
crew I ordered the temporary cessation of fire. Not until that
order was issued was the mortar out of action from the time the
battle commenced.
Later at AYER HITAM on 25 January, 1942, Sgt. McAlister's Mortar
Section was forward with "A" Company. He personally manned an
observation post (OP) and directed the fire of his Mortar for a
period of 24 hrs. The only position available for the effective
performance of his duties was exposed, there being no other
cover than lalang grass.
He subsequently assumed control of a third mortar from the LOYAL
Regiment, and with these three weapons was responsible for the
destruction of an enemy field gun, several groups of infantry
and two light machine guns (LMGs). He organised his enlarged
mortar section for a counter battery task on Japanese Artillery
when the orders to withdraw were received.
Again this NCO showed commendable courage, bravery and
leadership, and I recommend that he be awarded the Military
Medal."
(Source: 2/30 Bn.
Archives - originally transcribed from the
Diary of Brigadier D.S. Maxwell by The Army Museum Sydney
Foundation in 1998.)
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Last updated
31/08/2021 |
