Last (Australian) WWII Victoria Cross winner Ted Kenna dies

news.com.au ^ | 9th July 2009

[naturalman1975]

WAR veteran Ted Kenna made an outstanding contribution to the nation and will be remembered for his courage, Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said. Mr Kenna, Australia's last surviving Victoria Cross winner from World War II, died yesterday, aged 90.

His death was a sad day for the nation, Ms Gillard said in a joint statement with Veterans Affairs Minister Alan Griffin.

"Ted Kenna was a great Australian," they said, adding his story of bravery in New Guinea in 1945 was "extraordinary".

"Private Kenna made an outstanding contribution to the nation and he will be remembered for his courage."

"It is a very sad day and, if you like, almost an end of an era," Mr Griffin later told Sky News.

"We've only got two surviving VC winners now, and Ted was the last of 20 who were awarded that high honour during World War II."

[naturalman1975]

Citation

In the South West Pacific at Wewak on 15 May 1945 during the attack near the Wirui Mission features, Private Kenna's Company had the task of capturing certain enemy positions. The only position from which observation for supporting fire could be obtained was continuously swept by enemy heavy machine-gun fire and it was not possible to bring Artillery or Mortars into action. Private Kenna's Platoon was ordered forward to deal with the enemy machine-gun post, so that the Company operation could proceed. When the attacking sections came into view of the enemy they were immediately engaged at very close range by heavy automatic fire from a position not previously disclosed. Casualties were suffered and the attackers could not move further forward. Private Kenna endeavoured to put his Bren gun into a position where he could engage the bunker but was unable to do so because of the nature of the ground. On his own initiative and without orders private Kenna stood up in full view of the enemy less than 50 yards away and engaged the bunker, firing his Bren gun from the hip. He remained completely exposed and continued to fire at the enemy until his magazine was exhausted. Still making a target for himself, Private Kenna discarded his Bren gun and called for a rifle. Despite the intense machine gun fire, he seized the rifle and with amazing coolness killed the gunner with his first round. A second automatic opened fire on Private Kenna from a different position and another of the enemy immediately tried to move into position behind the first machine gun, but Private Kenna remained standing and killed him with his next round.

The result of Kenna's magnificent bravery in the face of concentrated fire was that the bunker was captured without further loss. The company attack proceeded to a successful conclusion. There is no doubt that the success of the company attack would have been seriously endangered and many casualties sustained, but for Private Kenna's magnificent courage and complete disregard for his own safety. His action was an outstanding example of the highest degree of bravery.

[naturalman1975]

[naturalman1975]

His family has been offered, and have accepted the offer of a State Funeral.

[null and void]

Glad you guys are on our side.

Rest well, Pvt Kenna, you have earned it as few men can.

[packrat35]

WOW! A real MAN! Sad to seeee him gone. A real loss for Australia.

[JerseyJohn61]

My 91 y/o dad was in New Guinea, and to this day, he has
nothing but respect and admiration for the Aussie soldiers
he served with. Magnificent Warriors.

JJ61

[americanophile]

Rest in Peace, Pvt. Kenna. Thank you.

[naturalman1975]

Seeing that badge, I thought you might like to see this - I found it just the other day.

[americanophile]

Nice!

[mapmaker77]

It’s always nice to read the citation for a high decoration. That took REAL BIG BALLS!

The next time the nitwit msm types start quoting some anti-war “war hero” the first question should be, “Let’s see the citation for that decoration”. How many times do these fools need to be burned. OH, I forgot, it’s not about accuracy, it’s all politics. How sad!

RIP PVT. Kenna.

[EDINVA]

What a loss for Australia. Glad his family has accepted a well-deserved State funeral. Wasn’t he an incredibly handsome young man? Not to mention brave beyond our own imagining. Rest in peace, private. God bless you.