| Accession Number | CUN/67/0015/VN |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white |
| Physical description | Black & white |
| Maker |
Cunneen, William James |
| Date made | 1967 |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Nui Dat, Vietnam. 1967-01. 2/7758 Warrant Officer 2 John William 'Jack' Kirby Company Sergeant ...
Description
Nui Dat, Vietnam. 1967-01. 2/7758 Warrant Officer 2 John William 'Jack' Kirby Company Sergeant Major (CSM) D Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), and of Windsor, Brisbane, Qld, receives the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) from Brigadier O. D. Jackson, former Commander of the 1st Australian Task Force. Kirby distinguished himself at the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966 and was awarded the DCM on 21 December 1966 for his actions. However on 6 February 1967, whilst participating in Operation Tamborine, he was fatally wounded by artillery fire from the 161st Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA), when 12 105 mm rounds accidentally fell amongst the D Coy Headquarters. This friendly fire incident killed four Australians (including Kirby) and wounded 13 others.