THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

TUHIWAI Tamati Henare

E38805, Sergeant, V Company, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 25 September 1970, Supp 45119, p10513

On 19 March 1970, Sergeant Tuhiwai was commanding a rifle platoon patrolling in difficult and mountainous country.  Elements of the leading section had just crossed the floor of a deep ravine when at short range, it came under intense and accurate fire from a large well-entrenched enemy force.  Five casualties were sustained immediately, including Sergeant Tuhiwai himself who received painful shrapnel wounds.  One of the casualties could not be reached unless the enemy was dislodged from his positions.  Another patrol of Victor Company nearby was unable to come to Sergeant Tuhiwai’s assistance because it was itself under attack and being heavily mortared.

The situation was most hazardous.  A number of the patrol were in exposed positions in the open, there were several wounded and all movement was drawing fire from enemy heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and automatic weapons and mortars were impacting nearby.  The patrol nevertheless remained in contact and for the next hour, under Sergeant Tuhiwai’s resolve and bold leadership, attempted to carry the fight to the enemy.  Throughout, Sergeant Tuhiwai braved enemy fire to move around the patrol, encouraging his soldiers, directing their fire, and refusing at all times to give ground.  His conduct wa the most exemplary because of his wounds.

The enemy force, which it was subsequently learned numbered nearly one hundred, finlly broke off the engagementand abandoned their well prepared position as a direct result of the aggressiveness of Sergeant Tuhiwai and the men under his command.  The quality of his leadership, his courage and personal example during this bitter action were an inspiration to all and his gallant conduct is deserving of recognition 

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Queen's Vietnam Medal

Vietnam Star

1960

NOTES

Born 22 December 1940, Tolaga Bay, New Zealand