Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry. He volunteered, and went out alone by daylight to prevent an enemy patrol observing the approach of a raiding party. Later he joined in the raid, took command of a party when the officer had become a casualty, and did fine work in the enemy's trenches till disabled by shrapnel.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 176
Date: 30 November 1916
 

Military Medal

'For great, gallantry and devotion to duty during the Battalions tour of duty in the Gapard Sector beyond Messines 8/14th August 1917. This N.C.O. was platoon Sergeant in the No 3 outpost, and was instrumental in organising the post and arranging mutually supporting cross fire from the Lewis Guns in the Flank Posts. He supervised the patrolling and laid a system of guiding wires to and from the outpost. His judgments and experience inspired the remainder of the personnel and his careful setting and arrangement, of the Lewis Guns enabled the posh twice for inflict, severe casualties on the enemy wiring parties which previously had been dead ground.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 1119
Date: 14 February 1918

A member of the original 7th Batta lion and one of the "boys of Company E," Sergt. Garcla has been in the thick of the fighting since the first days of the war. Sergt. Garcia lived before enlistment at 24 Gray street, Yarra ville, where his wife and three young children, one of them born since his enlistment, reside. Sergt. Garcia was
wounded and awarded the D.C.M. in July last, the official account being- "He volunteered and went out alone in daylight to prevent an enemy patrol from observing the approach of a raid ing party. Later he joined in the raid, and took command when the officer in charge was injured. He did fine-work in the enemy's trenches till he was disabled by shrapnel."
In a letter received this week by Mrs Garcia, Mrs. Dare, wife of Col. Dare, expresses her husband's admiration of the sergeant's gallantry.

Cause of death - "Deceased apparently stepped off the southern kerb of Geelong Road, Footscray in to the path of a passing taxi.  He received extensive injuries to the head and legs which were fatal.  He was conveyed to the Footscray Hospital and the was pronounced extinct."