Military Medal : Corporal R K Cashman, 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Military Medal (EIIR). Pantograph engraved around edge with recipient's details. This medal was issued as an official replacement for the original issue lost by Cashman.

32913 Corporal Ronald Kenneth (Ron) Cashman served with 6 Platoon, B Coy, 3RAR in Korea on two tours of duty - the first from 8 October 1951 to 20 November 1952; the second from 11 February until 1 September 1953. During his first deployment, Cashman had only been in Korea three weeks when he was hit by an exploding grenade while out on a section patrol. He was sent to the British Military Hospital in Kure, Japan. After recovery, he returned to Korea, was involved in fighting near Hill 317 (Maryang San) on November 1951 and spent Christmas 1951 on the Imjin River. His battalion then served at 'The Hook', suffering during the intense cold weather, and spent much time patrolling, in both defensive and offensive roles.

At the end of his first tour, Cashman signed up for a second tour, but took leave in Australia first; he returned to B Company having been promoted to corporal and was appointed a rifle section commander, whose duties included leading section patrols. Cashman's interview with the Memorial (see S02296) saw him discuss these issues - patrolling by night, tactical problems in front of the forward defences; the assimilation of reinforcements; the morale of the section platoon and company as well as leadership in the company; the combat effectiveness of the British battalions of 28th Brigade at the Battle of the Imjin and the attack on Hill 317 (Maryang San).

On a patrol of 24 June 1953 near Hill 159, Cashman's platoon commander, Lieutenant Arthur Gargate, was wounded whereupon he led an assault and evacuated Gargate.

After the fighting, several members of B Company were unaccounted for. Over several nerve-wracking hours, Corporal Ron Cashman and Private Don Harris rescued two of the missing Australians.

The most challenging rescue was that of Private Elvin Ballard from behind the Chinese lines. Having been severely wounded by grenades, Ballard could not be carried without a stretcher. Harris volunteered to return for one, and after a long and hazardous journey brought one back. Due to the terrain and Ballard’s weight, Cashman and Harris had to return to their position by going around the rear of Chinese positions. They nearly walked into an enemy outpost and were almost spotted by a group of Chinese soldiers as they carried Ballard across a creek. After carrying Ballard for three and a half hours across difficult terrain, they lost the strength to continue. Harris returned to 3RAR’s outpost, returning with a patrol and stretcher party while Cashman guarded Ballard. While making their way back to their lines, one stretcher bearer was killed and Ballard was further wounded. The men rescued by Cashman and Harris survived the war. The other missing men made their own way back to their lines.

It was for these actions that he was awarded the Military Medal. His final week saw Cashman beset by illness. He was obliged to hand his platoon over to Lieutenant Weaver and was evacuated and returned to Australia in time for his 21st birthday. The citation for his Military Medal states 'Service of an outstanding nature during operations in Korea'.

• Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975 with Korea clasp: Corporal R K Cashman, 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
• Korea Medal : Corporal R K Cashman, 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
• United Nations Service Medal for Korea : Corporal R K Cashman, 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
• Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 : Corporal R K Cashman, 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment