Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar : Corporal W J Rowlinson, 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Geo VI) and Bar. Medal impressed around edge with recipient's details.

William Josiah Rowlinson was born at Balgowlah, NSW, in 1919. After pre-war cadet service with 17 Battalion, he joined the AIF in June 1941, serving as NX37487 with 2/7 Armoured Regiment, a unit which did not see service outside Australia. In November 1944, seeking a combatant role, he transferred to 1 Australian Parachute Battalion, reverting to private from the rank of sergeant, but the war ended before this unit saw action. After a period with 113 Australian General Hospital as a volunteer in tropical disease research, Rowlinson was awarded the Commander-in-Chief’s Commendation Card, but took his discharge from the Army in 1946. In 1950, he re-enlisted for service in Korea, becoming number 2/400239 with 3 RAR. Twice wounded in Korea during 1951, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar for his gallant conduct in the battles of Kapyong and Maryang-San, becoming the most highly decorated Australian soldier of the war.
In early 1952 he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the regular army, but later in the year, while giving instruction in the use of explosives at Ingleburn, he was seriously injured in a Gelignite explosion, his right hand and forearm being amputated as a result. He recovered from his injuries, remaining in the Army until 1957, and reaching the rank of captain. Bill Rowlinson died in the late 1990s.

The citation for the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal reads as follows: ‘On 23rd and 24th April, 1951, 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment was defending the area MOKTON-NI and D Company was assigned the role of right flank protection on feature 504 and the ridge line to the North East. 12 Platoon of which Lieutenant (then Corporal) Rowlinson was a Section Leader had the left forward section of this forward Platoon. During the first night of occupation 23rd April, 1951, enemy probing patrols endeavoured to penetrate his section position and were repulsed.
On the morning of 24th April, 1951, enemy of platoon strength maintained continuous attacks against this section position for a period of from five to six hours and were again driven back sustaining heavy casualties. During these attacks Corporal Rowlinson and six members of his section were wounded. The wounded were evacuated but Corporal Rowlinson remained on duty and continued to lead his section until his section were ordered to withdraw. Corporal Rowlinson although wounded displayed leadership of a very high order and outstanding courage by holding the section together during the continuous attacks on his section position and thereby securing the company position vital to the successful conduct of the battalion defence. It is estimated that during all these attacks the enemy threw in approximately 150 men and suffered twenty five known dead, killed in front of Corporal Rowlinson’s section.’

The citation for the award of a Bar to the DCM reads as follows: ‘On the morning of 5th October, 1951, D Company 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment attacked the ridge leading to Hill 317. This necessitated four separate attacks in three of which 12 Platoon D Company was physically involved. In the early stages of the first attack the Company Commander was wounded and was replaced by the Officer Commanding 12 Platoon; Sergeant Rowlinson assuming command of 12 Platoon. 12 Platoon was immediately committed to the attack to bolster up the assault and Sergeant Rowlinson’s quick cool and inspiring leadership contributed largely to its success. During the attack on the second feature in the face of heavy small arms, machine gun and 3.5 Bazooka fire he personally led his Platoon in the assault, displaying initiative and directing fire with firm control. Early in this action, he was wounded in the left leg, but without seeking medical aid he continued to follow the plan of attack and lead his Platoon in a further assault on the third feature in the face of continued heavy small arms and machine gun fire. At this stage he quickly re-organised on the third objective and contacted his Company Commander by wireless and informed him of enemy dispositions on the fourth ridge. His quick thinking and appreciation enabled the Company to successfully conclude the operation on the fourth objective. Sergeant Rowlinson’s Platoon accounted for 32 enemy dead and took 14 Prisoners of War. Throughout the operation Sergeant Rowlinson showed complete disregard for his own personal safety and inspired his Platoon by his example. Sergeant Rowlinson was previously recommended for Distinguished Conduct Medal by this unit in April, 1951, and again has proved himself an outstanding, brave and intelligent soldier.’

• British War Medal 1939-45 : Corporal W J Rowlinson
• Australia Service Medal 1939-45 : Corporal W J Rowlinson
• Korea Medal : Sergeant W J Rowlinson, 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
• United Nations Korea Service Medal : Sergeant W J Rowlinson, 3 Battalion, Royal Australia Regiment