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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.