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Citation
for the Victoria Cross -
The only position from which
observation for supporting fire could be
obtained was continuously swept by enemy
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. His section moved as
close as possible to the bunker in order
to harass any enemy seen, so that the
remainder of the platoon could attack
from the flank. 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
immediately in full view of the enemy
less than fifty yards away and engaged
the bunker, firing his Bren gun from his
hip. The enemy machine gun immediately
returned Private KENNA's fire with such
accuracy that bullets actually passed
between his arms and body. Undeterred,
he remained completely exposed and
continued to fire at the enemy until his
magazine was exhausted. Still making a
target of 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 Private KENNA's
magnificent bravery in the face of
concentrated fire, was that the bunker
was captured without further loss, and
the company attack proceeded to a
successful conclusion, many enemy being
killed and numerous automatic weapons
captured. 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.
[SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION & ANECDOTES] Copyright © ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee (Qld) Incorporated 1998. |
In
the South West Pacific at Wewak on the
15th May, 1945, during the attack on the
Wirui Mission features, Private KENNA's
company had the task of capturing
certain enemy positions.