Military Medal: Private William Joseph Winterford, C Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiement

Military Medal (E II R). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Born in Brisbane in 1945 William Joseph Winterford was called up for National Service in 1965 and trained as an infantryman before specialising as a machine gunner. He was posted to Vietnam with C Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, arriving there in June 1966. Winterford, who operated his Company's No.1 machine gun, was awarded the Military Medal for an action that took place during Operation Hobart, between 24 and 29 July 1966. The operation was a search and destroy mission to the east and north of the village of Long Tan. During it two men were killed and another 12, including Winterford, wounded. As a result of his wounds he returned to Australia at the end of August.

The citation for his award reads:'Private Winterford has served as a National Serviceman since 30 June 1965, and with 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam since June 1966. He was a section machine gunner until he was wounded during operations in Phuoc Tuy Province, in July 1966.

On 25 July 1966 during an action between C Company and a company of Viet Cong Private Winterford engaged two enemy machine guns which were accurately engaging the company, with his own machine gun. Exercising excellent fire control, he quickly succeeded in neutralising the enemy guns.

When an attack was mounted on the right flank of his platoon position, Private Winterford used his machine gun to such devastating effect that the enemy were forced to withdraw.

Shortly after, whilst still engaging enemy groups, Private Winterford was seriously wounded in the left arm and his machine gun destroyed.

Whilst obviously in great pain and suffering loss of blood, and though still under enemy fire, he conducted himself in such a courageous manner as to set an example and inspire those fighting with him.

This display of professional skill and of his personal courage throughout the action was in the highest tradition of service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his Regiment and the Australian Army.'