TENETI Wiwi

39603, Temp Corporal, 28 (Maori) Battalion, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 15 June 1943

Corporal Teneti commanded one of the sections of the platoon which bore the brunt of the attack on Point 209, Tunisia, on 26 March 1943.  Under heavy mortar and machine-gun fire he succeeded in leading his men up the steep face of the hill and the boldness of his attack caused the enemy to evacuate strong dug-in positions on the hill crest.  At the same time the advance of the rest of his platoon was held up by two enemy machine-gun posts.  Displaying great initiative and courage he took over the section Bren gun and firing from the shoulder in full view of the enemy succeeded in keeping their heads down. Then he ordered his men to rush the positions with grenades, which they did so effectively that both positions were wiped out.  Enemy resistance collapsed and his platoon were thus able to consolidate on their objective.  During the hours of darkness the enemy launched several counter-attacks in an all-out effort to recapture this high ground.  Corporal Teneti stood his ground and fought back until his whole section had become casualties.  He then joined the remainder of his platoon and continued fighting tenaciously until wounded himself.  It was only under severe persuasion that he agreed to be evacuated and throughout the engagement he showed courage and leadership of the highest order

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

       8th Army

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 18 May 1918, Waipiro Bay, New Zealand

Died 16 Aug 1956, New Zealand

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