Military Medal : Corporal P C Poulsen, 39 Battalion AIF

Military Medal (Geo VI). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Associated with the service of Acting Corporal Paul Christian Poulsen. Poulsen was born in Sydney, NSW, on 20 November 1920 and was working as a transport contractor when he enlisted in the 39th Battalion, Citizen's Military Force (CMF) on 16 September 1941. He previously enlisted in the 2/3rd Pioneer Battalion, AIF, on 24 June 1940 but was discharged four months later when he was found to be underage.

Poulsen embarked for Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on 27 December, arriving there on 3 January 1942. On 21 February, he was evacuated to Darwin suffering malaria and did not rejoin his unit until the beginning of April. Poulsen was attached to 30 Brigade Headquarters, until he returned to the 39th Battalion in July. He transferred from the CMF to the Second AIF on 22 July, changing his service number from V121252 to VX105406.

Poulsen was promoted to acting corporal on 4 August and three days later led a small patrol in an offensive attack on the Japanese lines at Deneki. He received a gunshot wound to his upper left arm during the fighting but continued to lead his men. The patrol inflicted considerable losses against the Japanese and returned, under Poulsen's leadership, in possession of valuable information. Poulsen was awarded this Military Medal for his actions that day, his citation reading: 'For bravery and leadership at DENEKI on 7th August 1942'.

Poulsen returned to Australia aboard the hospital ship Manunda, arriving in Brisbane on 29 August. He was discharged from 117 Australian General Hospital on 5 October and transferred to 102 Convalescence Depot.

After suffering relapses of malaria, Poulsen marched into the Queensland Line of Communication, General Details Depot for reallotment on 27 July 1943. He was taken on strength by the 2/15 Field Company the following day and his rank reverted back to sapper at his request.

Poulsen embarked from Townsville for Morotai on 11 April 1945, arriving on 19 April. He remained in the Pacific for the rest of the war, returning to Australia in December 1945. Poulsen was discharged a month later.