Showing 107 items
matching 9th battalion
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Waverley RSL Sub Branch
New Testament in hand made webbing case, The New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ together with the Book of Psalms, unknown
This book was carried in France and possibly Gallipoli by Sig. H. C. Roussac and the insert "d/0291" was of a Chaplain who obviously had a profound affect on the ownerDemonstrates the religious convictions of some soldiers in WWIBlack leather bound bible with the first page removed by a clean cut. The bible the name of Signaller H. C. Roussac. 25th Battalion A.I.F. and the date Sept 11th 1917. There is a further inscription "Carried through Action "Battle of Ypres" Sept 20th 26th Oct 4th, 9th and 12th consecutively- Wounded Oct. 12th 17- signed H. C. Roussac. There is also what may be an autograph Pt. ? Frogg Masfr??? The bible also contained a lithograph, probably cut from a paper of Chaplain-Captain F. H. King in Egypt The book is contained in a hand stitched khaki webbing case secured by a metal ?uniform button Signaller H. C. Roussac. 25th Battalion A.I.F. and the date Sept 11th 1917. There is a further inscription "Carried through Action "Battle of Ypres" Sept 20th 26th Oct 4th, 9th and 12th consecutively- Wounded Oct. 12th 17- signed H. C. Roussac. There is also what may be an autograph Pt. ? Frogg Masfr???new testament, bible, rev. f. h. king, roussac, ypres, the age, egypt -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Next of Kin Memorial Plaque Dead Mans Penny, Commonly known as Dead Man's Penny
“Pennies” were awarded to the Next of Kin of soldiers who died in or as a result of the “Great War” and approximately 1.5million were issued up until the 1930’s they were accompanied by a scroll (letter) from King George with the message “‘I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War”. The Name of the serviceman, which appears on the medallion' is always shown without rank. This is to show that the sacrifice of all men is of equal value.Stanley Alan Morey was born in Dulwich, London, England from whence he came to Austalia and lived with his parents and elder sister in Brighton Victoria He became a fitter and turner. He enlisted in the A.I.F on the 21th April 1917 Service number 3444 and was assigned to the 59th Battalion and embarked from Sydney on the HMAT “Port Melbourne” on the 16th July 1917 He went to France from England on the 9th January 1918 and joined his unit 18th January 1918 at Le Havre Less than 3 months later he was Killed in Action. He has no known grave but is remembered by a Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France Round Bronze Medallion/PlaqueDepicts British rule of the sea (Britannia with two Dolphins), and a lion representing the British Empire. The lion stands on an eagle which represents the defeated Germany. A small insert has the Soldiers name embossed within a rectangular border. Around the rim of the plaque appear the words "He died for freedom and honour"dead man's penny, stanley alan morey, 59th battalion, villers-bretonneux, next of kin memorial plaque -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - Digital, Troopship Wiltshire, 1918, c1918
The HMAT A18 Wiltshire (1912-1922) weighed 10,390 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. Described as a refrigerated steamship it was b uilt 1912 by John Brown, Clydebank for the Federal S N Co Ltd, London and was propelled by a twin screw, quadruple expansion engine 2 x 4 cylinders each 6500 hp. Owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London, it was leased by the Commonwealth until 2 October 1917. It embarked from Egypt on 2 February 1918. On 18 October 1914 at Melbourne embarked the 4th Light Horse Regiment (Victoria) A, B & C squadron & their Machine Gun Section, the 2nd Field Ambulance (Victoria) First Division. The disembarked the 4th Light Horse Regiment in Egypt on 10 December 1914. On 01 November 1914 The Wiltshire assembled with the first convoy at King George's Sound, Albany Western Australia in transporting the first detachment of the Australian and New Zealand Imperial Expeditionary Forces. It completed nine transport voyages from Australia commencing 18 October 1914 until final voyage from Sydney 9th November 1918. During that time The Wiltshire carried the 4th Field Artillery Brigade (Victoria) 2nd Division Artillery and their 1st Reinforcements, 1st Division Ammunition Column 1st Division Artillery 4th Reinforcements, thirty-four Infantry Battalion Reinforcements, the 10th, 11th & 12th Field Artillery Battery (Victoria) 4th Field Artillery Brigades, the 4th Brigade Ammunition Column 4th Field Artillery Brigade, the 1st Siege Artillery Brigade 15th Reinforcements, the 4th Light Horse Regiment (Victoria) A, B & C squadron & their Machine Gun Section, six Light Horse Brigade Reinforcements, the 1st Veterinary Section (New South Wales) 11th Reinforcements, the 1st Mobile Veterinary Section (New South Wales) 1st Division 11th Reinforcements, the 2nd Mobile Veterinary Section (Victoria, New South Wales) 2nd Division 11th Reinforcements, the 1st Cyclist Battalion (New South Wales and Queensland) 3rd Reinforcements, the 2nd Field Ambulance (Victoria) First Division & Medical Officers. After the conclusion of World War One is was wrecked Rosalie Bay, Great Barrier Island New Zealand 31 May 1922 on passage London for Dunedin. Onboard was a crew of 103 plus 1 stowaway, and 10,000 ton of general cargo. No lives lost and is now a well frequented 'Dive' wrecksite. (http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hmat.htm#A18)Photographic postcard of the troopship Wiltshire out at sea.world war one, world war, wiltshire, troop ship, mmm -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Speech, 24th Battalion (Gallipoli). Address by Frank Doolan (H27), 1970
A copy of an address given to a Legacy luncheon by Legatee Frank Doolan. He speaks of the 24th Battalion and their role at Gallipoli and in France. The story of the withdrawal from Gallipoli is interesting. Legatees Savige and HC Brinsmead were two of the three last lieutenants on the peninsula. Both were foundation members as was John Anderson who was also mentioned. He digresses to relate a story of an evening when he was with a 'VC mate' (assumed to be L/ Donovan Joynt) and they decided to speak to the editor of the Argus, Allan Spowers, about the newspaper's stance against the building of the Shrine of Remembrance. He related the paper published an article two days later in favour of the Shrine project and shortly after so did 'The Age'. The address also relates the return to war in 1939 and the formation of the 2/24th and it fighting in Tobruk. It was absorbed into the 9th division and later a new 2/24th was formed to wear the 'Red and White Diamond'. 'This unit consisted of younger men who had served with the CNF between the wars and included several sons of Legatees and several Junior Legatees. Our President Don, was attached for a short time.' (referring to L/ Don Simonson who was president in 1970). It went on to fight in New Guinea. Legatee Doolan's aim had been to link the 24th battalion with Legacy and suggests the book about the history of the 24th Battalion by Bob Serle was worth reading. He then introduced two other speakers, Squadron Leader Hicks, Conductor of the Royal Australian Air Force Band and Mr John Anderson of AWA. From the speakers record this event was in June 1970. The notation H27 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. Legatee Frank Doolan was part of the archive project around the 1970s.A significant account of the withdrawal from Gallipoli and other experiences of the 24th Battalion retold at a Legacy luncheon. Speakers at Legacy luncheons were from very different walks of life and the subjects spoken on were many and varied. White foolscap paper with black type x 5 pages of a speech by Legatee Frank Doolan.Handwritten H27 in red pen.history, battalion, speakers, speech, gallipoli, frank doolan, 24th battalion -
Melbourne Legacy
Furniture, Table and Chairs, Not known, believed to be during the 1920's
The table and chairs once belonged to the Officers' Mess, 24th Battalion. From 1928 - 1936 the CO 24th Battallion was Lt Col S.G. Savige, DSO MC. It was during this time that the chairs were made and used for dining-in nights. During the a ceremony of remembrance, each officer stood behind his chair and called the name on its back as a mark of respect for those KIA during WW1. At the inaugural meeting of the Club, from which arose Melbourne Legacy in September 1923, eight of the fourteen members had worn the colour patch of 24th Battalion.The connection to Savige and the fact that many of his officers from 24th Battalion became members of Melbourne Legacy. This table and its chairs were formally gifted to Melbourne Legacy on 9th May 1956 when the Club moved to Legacy House. They have been used since in the Club's Board Room, now located on level 1, Legacy House, 293 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Two Legatees were responsible for fully refurbishing the table and chairs - Legatee Gordon Beith (Morrabbin Branch) and Legatee Ted McKenzie (Footscray/Sunshine Branch) Board Room Table - Clear varnished timber table with a two piece glass top Table legs are turned timber on wheels x 5. Two at each end and one in the centre. Chairs - Clear varnished timber with leather cushions x 20. Each chair has an engraved plaque with an officer's name from 24th Battalion. With the exception of one who died shortly after returning to Australia all were KIA in various battles during WW1. The 24th Battalion (the Kooyong Regiment) Robinson Road, Surrey Hills. Vic Names inscribed on each chair: Lt A.L. Bacon, 2Lt W.A. Baldie, Capt J.C.L. Biggsley, Lt P.S. Carne MSM, Lt J.B.N. Carvick MC, Lt J.R. Clarke, 2Lt F.M. Coffee, Lt P.G. Denton-Fethers, Lt W.S. Finlay, Capt J.H. Fletcher, Lt A.C. Fogarty, 2Lt A.G. Gilchrist, Lt J. Harris, Lt A.J. Kerr, Maj. C.E. Manning, Capt G.L. Maxfield MC, 2Lt H.L. Rhynehart, Capt W.H. Tatnall, 2Lt R.N. Thomas, Capt C.M. Williams MC furniture, 24th battalion -
Wangaratta High School
2nd/24th Batallion Shield, 1945
In July 1940 the 2/24th Battalion was formed. They set off from Caulfield for the still-being-built Bonegilla camp, stopping off at Wangaratta where they camped at the showgrounds. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as ‘Wangaratta’s Own’. Presented with a 14 foot pennant the Battalion marched through the streets of Wangaratta on 27 September 1940 on the way to Bonegilla. Training continued in Bonegilla until the soldiers sailed on HMT Strathmore for the Middle East on 16 November. The Battalion was eventually attached to the 9th Australian Division, one of the most famous army fighting formations in World War 2. They served in Tobruk (1941) Tel el Eisa (1942), El Alemain (1942), New Guinea (1943) and Tarakan (1945).During the Tobruk siege the 9th Division was called the ‘The Rats of Tobruk’ by William Joyce, the German propagandist. The 2/24th Battalion suffered more casualties than any other 2nd AIF Battalion – 360 killed and 900 wounded. Brown lacquered wood shield with a silver metal 2/24 symbol on it.2/24 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATALLION TOBRUK . THE SALIENT . TEL EL EISA . EL ALAMEIN . LAE . NADZAB . WAREO . TARAKAN I HOLD FAST -
Bendigo Military Museum
Magazine - MAGAZINE, WW1, AMALGAMATED PRESS LIMITED, " THE WAR ILLUSTRATED", 1914 - 1915
1. November 28th 1914. 2. January 2nd 1915. 3. January 9th 1915. 4. April 17th 1915. 5. July 24th 1915. 6. May 29th 1915. Original owner - Stephen John PARISH Regiment number/ Unit 703 Became an Officer, born Warracknabeal, living in Mildura when he enlisted in the 8th Battalion.Six Magazines; 1./2./3./6./ - Covers - semi glossy white paper - black print with red colour highlights and part of illustration. Illustrated - black and white photographs. 4./5./ Covers - white paper and black print, illustrated black and white photographs. These magazines are missing their outer cover. 1. No 342 - 364 pages. 2. No 466 - 488 pages. 3. No 490 - 512 pages. 4. No 194 - 216 pages. 5. No 522 - 544 pages. 6. No 330 - 352 pages.magazines, ww1, s. j. parish, 8th battalion -
Bendigo Military Museum
Print - PRINT, FRAMED WW1, Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Limited, 2015
From information book - "Reader's Digest/ Gallipoli/ 25th April 1915 - 9th January 1916/ Centenary Commemorative Prints". Collection of 20 prints. Refer Cat. No. 7300.Framed print. Print - colour print on paper. Copy of an oil painting on canvas. This painting depicts "several soldiers, in uniform and wearing tin helmets sitting in a dugout. "Holding a candle, one reads a precious letter from home". Frame - black plastic framing with glass front and MDF board backing with adhered black paper.Details below print - in black ink; "FRANK CROZIER (1883-1948) Diggers sitting in dugout 1918". FRANK CROZIER "enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force in 1915 and was trained in Egypt before serving at Gallipoli", 22nd Battalion. Appointed an official war artist in 1918.framed accessories, prints, ww1, gallipoli, centenary -
Bendigo Military Museum
Print - PRINT, FRAMED WW1, Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Limited, 2015
From information book - " Reader's Digest/ Gallipoli/ 25th April 1915 - 9th January 1916/ Centenary Commemorative Prints". Collection of 20 prints. Refer Cat No. 7300.Framed print. Print - colour print on paper. Copy of an oil painting on canvas. This painting depicts Anzac Cove - with soldiers going about various activities, some unloading crates, stacking crates and moving supplies. Background of sea, sand and hills. Frame - Black plastic framing with glass front and MDF board backing with adhered black paper.Details below print - in black ink. " FRANK CROZIER (1883 - 1948) The Beach at Anzac 1919". Frank Crozier - enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force, 22nd Battalion in March 1915. Trained in Egypt before serving in Gallipoli. Appointed an official war artist in 1918.framed accessories, prints, ww1, gallipoli, centenary -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET AND NAME BADGE, Post WW2
.1) The first medal on the left is the BEM. There are 9 clasps denoting overseas service and 3 clasps denoting Long Service. Francis William (Dinky) Dean enlisted in the 2nd AIF No VX93960 on 16.12.43 age 18 years. He went on to serve with the 2nd/2nd Pioneers in the islands ending up on Morotai at wars end. At the end of 1945 while still overseas 3 new Battalions were formed for service wth BCOF in Japan. They were the 65th, 66th and 67th Bn’s made up from 3 Aust Divisions 6th, 7th and 9th. Frank was one of the first to sign up in the 65th Bn with same Regt No. They moved to Japan in early 1946. While still in Japan in 1947 there was a period called the Interim Army while the 65th, 66th and 67th Bn’s were designated 1st, 2nd and 3rd Bn’s R.A.R, Aust Regular Army. His Regt No changed to 3742 and the 65th became the 1st Batt of the R.A.R. He then served with 1 RAR in Korea 7.4.52 to 28.2.53, 3.3.54 to 24.3.56. Malaya during the Emergency/ Confrontation Oct 1959 to Oct 1961. Vietnam 1.6.65 to 7.6. 66, 18.3.68 to 11.2.69. Malaya 1969-70. Frank was discharged from the Army on 19.12.1975 with the rank of Quarter Master Sergeant with a total of 32 years service. He was the longest serving member of 1 RAR, he had a final posting to RMC prior to discharge. BEM (British Empire Medal) For service in Korea. BCOF (British Commonwealth Occupation Force Japan) RAR ( Royal Australian Regiment) RMC (Royal Military College Duntroon) In 2004 Frank was the guest of honour at the new Coral Lines Lavarack Barracks Townsville, a street was named “Dean drive” after him. Frank passed away on 11.2.2005 age 79 years. .1) Medal set, miniatures, brass plate mounted, set of (16) re F.W Dean BEM. .2) Name badge - battalion badge for unit associations. Black plastic backing with pin, black name on gold background. .2) "Frank Dean 1RAR"numismatics, medals, military, badges, metalcraft -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Card and invitation, Unknown
9th Australian Division Cavalry Regiment Christmas Card from Middle East December 1942. 57/60 Battalion AIF Invitation to "Welcome Home Dance" St Kilda Town Hall. Tuesday 21st May 1946. -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Souvenir Cushion Cover Palestine 1941
This cushion cover was owned by Arthur Lock, a soldier in the 2/23rd Battalion. After initial training in Albury, N.S.W. and Bonegilla, Victoria, they left for overseas service. Embarking in November 1940 on the transport Strathmore at Port Melbourne, the 2/23rd arrived in Egypt in mid-December. From Egypt they were deployed to Tobruk. The battalion helped defend Tobruk for eight months, manning a series of concrete pillboxes located in a semicircle around the town, called the Red Line. In October the majority of the 9th Division, except the 2/13th Infantry Battalion, was evacuated by sea. The 2/23rd left on 18 October and sailed to Alexandria. The division was transferred to Palestine and then Syria for rest and garrison duties.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A cushion cover embroidered with the insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1941. Top 'Souvenir of Palestine" Centre Insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, Bottom "1941"world war 11, rats of tobruk, palestine -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Plaque - Albury's Own 2/23rd Batallion 9th Division
Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A plaque commemorating "Albury's Own" - the 2/23rd Battalion. It incorprates the Unit badge and a a list of battlefronts they served in as part of the 9th Brigade. The Latin in the centre of the badge translates as "I will either find a way or make one". In circular badge "ALBURY'S OWN/ 2/23 RD BN. AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM " On metal oblong "9th DIVISION /EL ALAMEIN -TOBRUK- LAE/ SATELEBERG - TARAKAN"world war 11, 2/23rd battailon, albury's own -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - MUD AND BLOOD: Albury's Own 23rd Australian Infantry Battalion, Pat Share, 1978
... by officers and men of the 2/23 Battalion, A.I.F. 9th Division, while ...The 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in June 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The need fo larger quarters saw the battalion transferring to a new camp at Bonegilla to complete their training .before sailing for the Middle East in November. Most of those enlisted in this Battalion were volunteers from the Albury Wodonga area the Aldermen of Albury expressend the wish that the unit be given the title of "Albury's Own" and this was accepted on its behalf but the commanding officer. The men of the 2/23 rd Battalion served with honour in the Middle East, including at the Siege of Tobruk and El Alamein. After returning to Queensland for training in jungle warfare conditions, they were then deployed to New Guinea and Tarakan. This book tells the story of the service and brotherhood demonstrated by the men of "Albury's Own." Written and composed by officers and men of the 2/23 Battalion, A.I.F. 9th Division, while on active service, Palestine, Tobruk, Syria and El Alamein.non-fictionThe 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in June 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The need fo larger quarters saw the battalion transferring to a new camp at Bonegilla to complete their training .before sailing for the Middle East in November. Most of those enlisted in this Battalion were volunteers from the Albury Wodonga area the Aldermen of Albury expressend the wish that the unit be given the title of "Albury's Own" and this was accepted on its behalf but the commanding officer. The men of the 2/23 rd Battalion served with honour in the Middle East, including at the Siege of Tobruk and El Alamein. After returning to Queensland for training in jungle warfare conditions, they were then deployed to New Guinea and Tarakan. This book tells the story of the service and brotherhood demonstrated by the men of "Albury's Own." Written and composed by officers and men of the 2/23 Battalion, A.I.F. 9th Division, while on active service, Palestine, Tobruk, Syria and El Alamein.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, 2002
Image depicts a group of 14 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2002. They include:- VX24987 Clifford GIERSCH DOB 16/12/1918 POB Culcairn; Bill WILLIAMS; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1908 POB England; VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; VX44006 Robert CLARK DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX34505 James HUGHES DOB 28/5/1920 POB Castlemaine POW 5/1941; VX31279 Eric EDWARDS DOB 3/8/1916 POB Mordialloc POW 1/5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX34760 Reginald GUNNING DOB 29/1/1919 POB Branxholme VX46233 Robert KEE DOB 10/11/1916 POB Sydney; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler) VX40320 Edgar SHILLING DOB 12/7/1918 POB England; The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Colour photograph of 14 men in two rows with Australian flag in background. Attached plaque contained 12 names2/24th battalion, wangaratta -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Crossing the Line 1
A black and white photograph of a digger from 9th Royal Australian Regiment, is found guilty and prepared for his doom by Courtiers of King Neptune during the "crossing of the line" ceremony on board the Vung Tau Ferry, HMAS Sydney, taking the Battalion to war service in Vietnamphotograph, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, 9 rar, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Holley, Byron, Vietnam, 1968-1969: A Battalion Surgeon's Journal
Bryon Holley spent the longest year of his young life in Vietnam as surgeon of the 4th Battalion of the 39th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. He lived like a swamp rat in the boonies of the Mekong Delta, and his actions were sometimes all that made the difference between life or death,Bryon Holley spent the longest year of his young life in Vietnam as surgeon of the 4th Battalion of the 39th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. He lived like a swamp rat in the boonies of the Mekong Delta, and his actions were sometimes all that made the difference between life or death,byron holley, 4th battalion of the 39th regiment, 9th infantry division, mekong delta