Distinguished Conduct Medal : Warrant Officer Class I G E Chinn, Australian Army Training Team, Vietnam

Distinguished Conduct Medal (EIIR). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

George Ernest Chinn was born in 1927. During the Second World he attempted to join the AIF under age, but was unsuccessful, eventually becoming a member of the Air Training Corps. He enlisted in the Australian Army as soon as he was permitted, and served during the Korean War with 3 RAR, becoming Regimental Sergeant Major of the battalion. In Vietnam, Chinn served with the Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (1964-5) and as Regimental Sergeant Major of 6 RAR (1966-7). While serving with the AATTV, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the South Vietnamese Armed Forces Honour Medal. Commissioned in 1969, Chinn became a Major in 1979. He died in 1981.

The citation for the award of the DCM reads, in part: 'He accompanied the 32nd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion in Operation Lam Son 115 near Lavang from 18 to 28 April 1964. During the helicopter assault landing, WO Chinn landed in the first wave under Viet Cong ground fire which caused several casualties. Realising the effect this fire would have on the second wave of troop loaded helicopters, he assisted in the deployment of sub units and the clearing of the Viet Cong out of range of the landing zone with complete disregard for his own safety and in the face of Viet Cong fire. The second wave landed without casualties. Immediately after the Ranger Force had cleared the Viet Cong training camp, they were again attacked by the Viet Cong. WO Chinn personally drew Viet Cong fire, allowing the organisation of a successful reaction force. On 25 April 1964, during a Viet Cong ambush on the column, a Vietnamese soldier was wounded by the Viet Cong. WO Chinn at great personal risk dragged the soldier to safety. At all times during Operation Lam Son 115 WO Chinn's calmness and judgement were an example to all. His devotion to duty, courage and complete disregard for his own personal safety were of the highest order and reflected great credit on himself and the Australian Army.'