Distinguished Service Order : Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, 2/6 Battalion

Distinguished Service Order (Geo VI). Unnamed as issued.

Associated with VX185 Lieutenant Colonel George Frederick Smith, DSO, ED. He was born in Victoria in 1905. He served with 6 Infantry Brigade in 1939; as a major with 2/6 Battalion from 1939-1941; as commander of 17 AITB from October 1941 to March 1943; as lieutenant colonel commanding 24 Battalion from May 1943 to October 1944; and commanding officer of No 1 AIF Reception camp in the UK from November 1944 to September 1945. During his service in New Guinea he played an important role in promoting anti-malarial discipline and drug use. The award of the DSO was announced in the London Gazette on 27/4/44. The citation states, 'Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, by his splendid organisational ability and the manner in which he disposed his forces greatly assisted in the successful landing of our paratroops at Nadzab and his aggressive spirit and drive undoubtedly inspired the troops under his command throughout the whole operations and gave the enemy no chance of wrestling the initiative.'.

• 1939-45 Star : Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, 2/6 Battalion
• Africa Star : Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, 2/6 Battalion
• Pacific Star : Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, 2/6 Battalion
• Defence Medal : Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, 2/6 Battalion
• British War Medal 1939-45 with Mentioned in Despatches oakleaf: Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, 2/6 Battalion
• Australia Service Medal : Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, 2/6 Battalion
• Efficiency Decoration : Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, AIF
• Greek War Medal 1940-41 : Lieutenant Colonel G F Smith, 2/6 Battalion