- SURNAME
Band
- FORENAME
John Morrel
- UNIT
R.A.N.R. (HMAS Basilisk) (Beach Party)
- RANK
Lieutenant Commander
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Navy Cross (US)
- PLACE
New Guinea 1943
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA - see Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/band-john-morrel.18413/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander John Morel Band, Royal Australian Naval Voluntary Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy, as Officer in Charge of the Naval Beach Party that landed at Japanese occupied Finschafen on 22 September 1943. Lieutenant Commander Band landed with the first wave in face of heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire. In absolute disregard for his own safety he repeatedly exposed himself in efforts to execute successfully the task that had been assigned him, and in doing so, was mortally wounded. Demonstrating tenacious courage, he continued to direct his group and was successful in diverting one group of landing craft which were about to land on the wrong beach in the face of heavy enemy opposition. As the result of his wounds he fell unconscious on the beach and was returned to a field hospital where he died. His daring leadership and devotion to duty contributed to the successful completion of a vital mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/21652FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23788622/john-morrel-band
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