Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of David Ronald THOMAS and Harriet Button nee PADFIELD/HATFIELD, Lawnton, Brisbane, Qld.

Husband of Violet Kathleen THOMAS nee DOYLE

Recommended for Military Medal but not awarded

"This soldier was, during the operations against FINSHHAFEN, a stretcher bearer attached to a forward company of his unit.  His work, until he was wounded, was marked by an unselfish devotion to duty and disregard of danger in tending the wounded and bringing them to safety.  In the landing made at SCARLET BEACH on 22 Sep 43 against strong enemy opposition, the vessel on which THOMAS was travelling came into collison with another craft a short distance off shore and almost at the same time was hit by a bomb from an enemy mortar.  These incidents caused casualties on THOMAS's craft.  He immedicately gave aid to the wounded and when he had completed the dressings he found that the craft was already pulling out from the shore.  At great risk to himself he jumped off and swam ashore completely equipped to rejoin his company.  

When the leading section of his company met the enemy at the mouth of the BUMI RIVER enemy fire from the opposite bank killed the section commander and wounded two others of the section.  THOMAS went forward immediately and in full view of the enemy and under considerable fire, attanded to the wounded and assisted by another soldier removed them to safety.

A few days later when his company came under enemy shell fire THOMAS showed the same courage and devotion to duty under exacting and dangerous conditions.  While dressing a soldier's wound he was himself wounded by a shell burst."