A fine Vietnam War D.C.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer R. L. Jones, 2nd Royal Australian Regiment, for sustained gallantry during a lengthy engagement on 26th/27th January 1968

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (34888 W.O.Cl.2., R. L. Jones, R. Aust. Inf. Corps); U.N. Korea; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (3/4888 R. L. Jones); Vietnam Service Medal 1964 (34888 R. L. Jones); South Vietnam Campaign Star, with clasp ‘1960-’, named as before, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (5) £4000-4500

See colour illustration on back cover.

D.C.M. London Gazette 10 December 1968.

‘WO Reginald Jones joined the Australian Regular Army on the 13 February, 1953. After many regimental and training appointments, he was posted as Company Sergeant Major of C Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, on the 11 May, 1964.

On the 26 January, 1968, during Operation COBURG in Bien Hoa, 9th Platoon C Company assaulted and occupied an enemy camp. It was soon apparent that the enemy force was larger than first estimated and it was necessary for Company Headquarters and 8th Platoon to reinforce them. After the reinforcements arrived the enemy made two determined counter attacks and subjected the force to heavy harassing fire from five machine guns and small arms. Throughout these attacks WO Jones moved around the camp giving encouragement to the members of the company and placing them in positions which afforded them maximum protection and from where they could engage the enemy. WO Jones continually exposed himself to the heavy fire sweeping the camp to perform these tasks. During the heaviest attack at 1825 hours a section commander was mortally wounded. Disregarding his own safety WO Jones moved forward under fire and rendered first aid to the soldier.

At 0800 hours on the 27 January, heavy automatic fire was again received in the camp and a sentry was wounded. The company medical orderly was mortally wounded in going to his aid. Again with complete disregard of the enemy fire WO Jones went forward and attempted to drag both wounded men to safety. The first attempt failing, he fashioned a shelter, rallied a bearer party and went forward a second time still under fire. He evacuated both men to safety and then proceeded to organize a helicopter evacuation of the dead and wounded.

At all times during this action WO Jones showed a complete disregard for his personal safety and his actions were undoubtedly instrumental in saving more lives in the company. His coolness under heavy fire and the professional manner in which he performed his duties were a source of great encouragement to the men of his company. His personal bravery and encouragement to the younger soldiers of the company were in the highest traditions of the Australian Army and reflect great credit on himself, his battalion and the Australian Forces in Vietnam.’

A total of 45 D.C.M.’s and one Bar were awarded during the Vietnam War. Sold with two photographs of the recipient.