SKILL AND COURAGE

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 290, 5 September 1942, Page 8

SKILL AND COURAGE

Immediate Award Of Military Medal

(Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) CAIRO, Sept. 3. How lie controlled a section of machineguns at Ruweieat Ridge on July 15 with great skill and courage is told in the citation of the immediate award of the Military Medal to Sergeant M. W. Cross, Machinegun Battalion. His next-of-kin is his mother, who lives at Warepa. To obtaiu the best possible lire effect, from his observation post and under constant fire, he directed his guns with telling effect against the enemy. There was no line or other communications with his company headquarters, and twice during the day he went back under heavy fire to report the situation. Numbers of Italians surrendered and Cross was ordered to collect their wounded. He did so, and also collected a number of our own men. On his way back from the main dressing station, Cross saw a wounded New Zealander lying in a minefield. He went into the 'minefield and got the man back to the medical officer. Throughout the day he made three journeys to the rear under heavy fire, He showed complete disregard for his own safety. The handling of his machineguns was exemplary and his cheerfulness and energy were a constant inspiration to all about him. The award of the Military Medal has been made to Driver Oswald Martin of the New Zealand Reserve Motor Transport. He comes from Nukutawhiti. The citation which tells of the exploits which won him the decoration is secret.