THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
BLAIR William Anthony
40554, Captain, Royal NewZealand Infantry Regiment
CITATIONMention in DespatchesNZ Gazette Number 38 dated 27 May 1971Captain William Anthony Blair joined the New Zealand Regular Army on 15th January 1964 and was commissioned on graduation from the OfficerCadet School at Portsea, Australia on 9th December 1967. He was assigned to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, and posted to WhiskeyCompany in Malaysia in May 1969. He arrived with the Company in South Vietnam in November 1969.Captain Blair as a rifle platoon commander led his platoon in a number of successful contacts with the enemy during the period November 1969 toMay 1970.On 15th April 1970 Captain Blair’s platoon initiated an ambush against an enemy force of five. As a result of his skilful siting of claymores and theplatoon guns all the enemy force were killed instantly.During the afternoon of 22rd May 1970 his platoon discovered an occupied well defended enemy camp. While reconnaissance of the camp wasbeing conducted Captain Blair organised artillery and mortar fire to cover likely enemy withdrawal routes from the camp. Once contact was made theestimated 20 enemy in the camp returned fire with rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons. During the next hour Captain Blair adjusted mortar, artillery and helicopter gunship fire as well as directing the small arms fire of his platoon.
He did this with great accuracy and skill. Captain Blair’s prompt and aggressive actions forced the enemy to break contact leaving behind one of their number and signs that they had suffered other casualties.
The successes of Captain Blair’s platoon are directly attributable to the bold skilful handling by this most competent infantry platoon leader.
His personal standards, leadership, and professional competency reflects great credit upon himself, his Regiment and the New Zealand Army..
KNOWN AWARDS
Queen's Vietnam Medal
Mention in DespatchesVietnam Star
1960NOTES
Born
Died
