- SURNAME
Coffey
- FORENAME
Malcolm
- UNIT
AATTV
- RANK
Warrant Officer Second Class
- NUMBER
1965
- AWARD
Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct
- PLACE
South Vietnam
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 25.08.1927, Collinsville, Queensland
served Korea, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 04.11.1952 - 03.11.1953
served Vietnam AATTV 08.08.1964 - 14.05.1965
wife (Elsie)
daughter (Sue)
died 04.04.2018 (Aged 91)
CITATION:
Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct : Warrant Officer Coffey enlisted in the Special Korea Force in November 1951 and in the Australian Regular Army in October 1952. He then served with the Third Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Korea until October 1953. Prior to Warrant Officer Coffey’s posting to South Vietnam he was serving with the First Royal Victorian Regiment as a Company Sergeant Major. Warrant Officer Coffey was assigned as a Battalion Adviser to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces and commenced duty on 11 August 1964.
Warrant Officer Coffey distinguished himself with bravery at Hoi An city in the province of Quang Nam, Republic of Vietnam on 10 and 11 November 1964. Warrant Officer Coffey volunteered to perform rescue work as a result of the most severe flooding in over fifty years. For more than forty eight hours, with regard to his own personal safety Warrant Officer Coffey waded raging flood waters chest deep and carried people to safety. He later participated in boat rescue work and was instrumental in helping to save over a hundred lives. Warrant Officer Coffey willingly performed these acts although there was a continual danger from enemy sniper fire. By his untiring efforts he was able to inspire many Vietnamese Nationals to assist in the rescue work. Warrant Officer Coffey’s action during this national disaster is in the highest tradition of the Australian Regular Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Warrant Officer Coffey distinguished himself with bravery at Hoi An city in the province of Quang Nam, Republic of Vietnam on 10 and 11 November 1964. Warrant Officer Coffey volunteered to perform rescue work as a result of the most severe flooding in over fifty years. For more than forty eight hours, with regard to his own personal safety Warrant Officer Coffey waded raging flood waters chest deep and carried people to safety. He later participated in boat rescue work and was instrumental in helping to save over a hundred lives. Warrant Officer Coffey willingly performed these acts although there was a continual danger from enemy sniper fire. By his untiring efforts he was able to inspire many Vietnamese Nationals to assist in the rescue work. Warrant Officer Coffey’s action during this national disaster is in the highest tradition of the Australian Regular Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
WEB LINKS:
https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1214064&c=KOREA#Rhttps://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1232300&c=VIETNAM
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