Military Cross : Captain J E Aiken, Regimental Medical Officer, 25 Battalion

Military Cross in presentation case. Engraved reverse lower arm with date of action.

Related to the service of Captain James Edwin Aiken, Australian Army Medical Corps attached to 25 Battalion as Regimental Medical Officer.

The recommendation for the award reads:

'On 19 March 45 at Buin Road Captain Aiken established a temporary fwd RAP [Regimental Aid Post] in a large pit 60 yards behind our troops who were engaged in a fire fight with the enemy. Men could not be spared to carry back the wounded so Capt Aiken went forward and attended to each of the injured men where they lay: during the whole time he was under heavy rifle and LMG [Light machine gun] fire. When the final assault commenced, he went further forward and rapidly and efficiently tended the wounded, still under fire. 17 men were wounded in this action.

On 22 March 45 when A Coy attacked further enemy positions Capt Aiken followed close behind, regardless of his own safety, to give immediate aid to the wounded. He followed right through to the captured positions and in addition to being subjected to rifle, LMG and grenade fire during that period while attending to casualties, he was fired at 3 times by a sniper concealed in the undergrowth before the sniper was killed by Capt Aiken's batman.

On 28 March 45 at Slaters Knoll during a heavy attack on BN HQ [Battalion Headquarters], Capt Aiken worked throughout the whole night on the 10 casualties, during which time the whole area, including the RAP was under SA [Small Arms] fire and occasional grenade splinters.'

Capt Aiken's fearless actions have given the men confidence that they will receive immediate medical attention should they be wounded. This has done much towards maintaining the morale of the troops, and he has undoubtedly saved the lives of several men.'