THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
WALSH Thomas James
58108, Sergeant, 35 Battalion

CITATION
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Gazetted 20 January 1944
Sergeant Walsh performed outstanding work as a patrol leader right through the operations carried out by 35 NZ Battalion in the northern portion of Vella Lavella during the period 28 September – 2 October 1943.  Repeatedly, and at great personal risk, he pushed forward and gained information of the utmost value.  His uncanny bush sense, combined with absolute disregard for his own safety, enabled him to pin-point enemy machine-gun positions on at least three occasions.  The result was that the artillery were able to concentrate on these positions and thereby enable the infantry to move forward without heavy casualties.  He set a standard of leadership of the highest order

KNOWN AWARDS
Distinguished Conduct Medal
1939-45 Star
Pacific Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-45
New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES
Born: 5 April 1914, New Zealand
Died 25 May 2003 (Death recorded as James Thomas WALSH)