RODAKIS, Nicholas
| Service Number: | 5451 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 11 February 1916, Warrnambool, Victoria |
| Last Rank: | Sergeant |
| Last Unit: | 4th Machine Gun Battalion |
| Born: | Athens, Greece, 26 January 1879 |
| Home Town: | Warrnambool, Warrnambool, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Locomotive Engine Driver |
| Died: | Natural causes, Ashburton, Victoria, Australia, 20 November 1961, aged 82 years |
| Cemetery: |
Fawkner Memorial Park Cemetery, Victoria |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 11 Feb 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 5451, Warrnambool, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Apr 1916: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 5451, 14th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Euripides, Melbourne | |
| 4 Apr 1916: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 5451, 14th Infantry Battalion, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1 | |
| 23 May 1918: | Promoted AIF WW1, Corporal, 4th Machine Gun Company | |
| 23 Aug 1918: | Promoted AIF WW1, Sergeant, 4th Machine Gun Company | |
| 29 Sep 1918: | Involvement AIF WW1, Sergeant, 5451, 4th Machine Gun Battalion, Breaching the Hindenburg Line - Cambrai / St Quentin Canal, Awarded the US Distinguished Service Cross for actions in leading elements of the US 27th Division machine gun units into battle and setting and excellent personal example to his men. | |
| 16 Sep 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Sergeant, 5451, 4th Machine Gun Battalion | |
| Date unknown: | Involvement 14th Infantry Battalion, Battle for Pozières |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
Military Medal Recommendation
'Is recommended for conspicuous gallantry and skill as a machine gunner where he proved himself of distinctive value during the attack near ZONNEBEKE on 26th September, 1917. On the afternoon of the 27th September, 1917, when a heavy counter attack was impending and our parapet was being swept by enemy snipers and machine guns in addition to artillery barrage, he mounted his gun in a very exposed position in order to obtain the best field of fire and although his tripod was hit several times by snipers bullets and his tunic ripped, he fearlessly stood to his post and inflicted heavy losses on he enemy. The work done by this N.C.O. was of considerable value in repulsing a determined counter attack by the enemy.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918
Biography
Sergeant, Nicholas Rodakis, 4th Battalion, Australian Machine Gun Corps (Attached) 105th U.S. Infantry, 27th Division
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Nicholas Rodakis, Sergeant, for extraordinary heroism in action near Ronssoy, France, September 29, 1918, while attached to Machine gun Company, 105th U.S. Infantry, 27th Division, A.E.F. Organizing troops from different units, Sergeant Rodakis exhibited great bravery and dash in leading them into effective combat, inspiring all by his courage and fearlessness.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
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