THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

SANDFORD John Grant

V775188, Sergeant, V3 Company, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 30 September 1969, Supp 44946, p9963

Throughout his year of service in Vietnam he displayed exemplary conduct, devotion to duty and professional ability.  His loyalty, forceful leadership

and aggressive demeanor were a fine example to his platoon.

On 3 October 1968 Sergeant Sandford while commanding 1st Platoon found three well concealed caches.  Lacking Engineer assistance he

personally undertook the dangerous investigation of the caches and their surrounds for mines and booby traps.  His prompt and resourceful action

resulted in the capture of 31,000 pounds of rice.

In November 1968 Sergeant Sandford again commanded 1st platoon on operations.  On 10 November his platoon engaged an enemy force

moving cautiously through the jungle.  His excellent siting and control enabled the platoon to engage an alert enemy party at close range. The enemy

survivors of the initial engagement took cover and returned fire.  After a fierce fire-fight the enemy soldiers fled leaving one of their number firing from

an almost inaccessible position.  After placing a machine-gun to give covering fire, Sergeant Sandford ran forward under fire to a position from where

he could throw a grenade and, at great risk to himself, killed the remaining enemy soldier.

On 9 April 1969 Sergeant Sandford was again in command of 1st platoon when it engaged a strong enemy party.  He moved forward to the

section most closely engaged and as he arrived in this section’s area the enemy threw a grenade which landed close to several members of the

section.  Unhesitatingly Sergeant Sandford leapt forward, picked up the grenade and threw it back at the enemy.  This unselfish act was successful. The grenade exploded to the front of the section and Sergeant Sandford and two other soldiers were only lightly wounded.  At the conclusion of his action he elected to remain on duty commanding the platoon in spite of his wound.

Throughout his service in South Vietnam Sergeant Sandford distinguished himself as a skilled and courageous soldier, whose personal gallantry was an inspiration to the men under his command.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

New Zealand Operational Service Medal

New Zealand General Service Medal - warlike

Malaya 1960-64, Vietnam

Queen's Vietnam Medal

Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

New Zealand Defence Service Medal

CMT, Regular

Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal

Vietnam Star

1960

NOTES

Born 15 December 1937, Blenheim, New Zealand

Died