THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BULLEN Arthur Beecher

23815, Major, 30 Battalion, New Zealand Infantry, WW2

202625, Royal New Zealand Infantry Corps (Territorial Force)

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 9 May 1944, Supplement 36508, p2170

At Green Island on 20th February 1944 Major Bullen was in command of D Company of his battalion during an attack on a position in the vicinity of Tanaheran Village. In spite of heavy fire from machineguns, mortars and grenades, he led his company to within striking distance of the position and deployed his platoons in such a way that the enemy was forced into a small pocket on the coast. As there was little daylight left Major Bullen decided to assault the position in order to prevent the enemy escaping in the darkness.  Having brought his platoons to within 30 yards of the position, at a given signal he personally led the attack which succeeded in completely destroying sixty of the enemy. Major Bullen’s action in organizing and directing the attack regardless of his personal safety was an inspiration to his men and an outstanding example of splendid leadership.

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Gazetted 29 December 1959, Supplement 41911, p42

KNOWN AWARDS

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Distinguished Service Order

1939-45 Star

Pacific Star

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Efficiency Decoration and bar

NOTES

Born 25 February 1916, Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand

Died 13 October 1993, Adelaide, South Australia