"In the South West Pacific at Wewak on 15th May, 1945, during the
attack on 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. 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 endeavored 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 immediately stood up in full view of the enemy less than fifty
yards away and engaged the bunker, firing his Bren gun from the hip. The
enemy machine gun immediately returned Private Kenna's fire and with
such accuracy that bullets actually passed between his arms and his
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."
From Pvt. Kenna's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 4 September 1945.
Another brave ally!
Brian
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