Presentation of Loyal Service Medal to Maiogaru (Gimuleia) Taulebona (1900 – 1986). Maiogaru, a ...

Presentation of Loyal Service Medal to Maiogaru (Gimuleia) Taulebona (1900 – 1986). Maiogaru, a mission trained nurse who was awarded the Loyal Service Medal for bravery at Ahioma, New Guinea, by Major General Basil Morehouse Morris, General Officer Commanding, Australian and New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU) (right) and an unidentified Lieutenant Colonel (middle). On the night of 28 August 1942 an RAAF crash boat attempting to leave Milne Bay was sunk by Japanese warships. 41879 Leading Aircraftman John Francis Fitzgerald Donegan was severely wounded during this action, drifting across the bay for 18 hours before he was rescued by local people and taken to their village inside Japanese held territory. Here he was treated and nursed back to health by Maiogaru, before eventually returning safely to his unit. The RAAF still at Milne Bay after the battle arranged an unofficial ceremony, before General Morris's presentation. Maiogaru was asked to select any presents she wanted. She chose a bicycle, a rain cape, a pair of sun glasses, seven yards of bright red material and a carton of aspirin.

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