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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 241

The Korean War Medal awarded to Major N. L. Miller, M.C., Royal New Zealand Artillery, who won an Immediate Military Cross at the Battle of Kowang San and a 'mention' during the Korean War

Korea 1950-53, with M.I.D. oak leaf (206084 Major N. L. Miller), good very fine

[M.C.] London Gazette 4 March 1952. Awarded whilst a Forward Observation Officer of 16 Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery. The original Recommendation - from Lieutenant-Colonel V. W. Barlow, Officer Commanding 1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry - states:

'At Kowang San on 3 October 1951 Captain Miller was FOO accompanying 'A' Squadron, 8th Hussars who were supporting 1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry in their attacks on Points 208, 210 and 227. Captain Millers tank bogged down very early on, and naturally became the target of considerable mortar and shell fire. Captain Miller immediately left the tank and accompanied the infantry on foot, carrying and operating the 31 set himself.

By dusk on 3 October 1951 the third Battalion objective (Kitten - CT170174) was secured and Captain Miller returned to his new unbogged tank and organsied the DF's for the two rear Coys. At 0500hrs 4 October 1951 'D' Company, 1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry moved up to assault Point 210. Captain Millers tank was again unable to follow, and again this Officer, on foot, provided accurate and timely artillery support right on to the objective.

This Officer has acted as FOO with every Company of this Battalion, and in nearly every action in which it has participated. When on patrol with 'D' Company on 15 September 1951 he was wounded in the head and evacuated bu helicopter, but insisted on returning with his wound unhealed in time to participate in Operation 'COMMANDO'.

Captain Millers devotion to duty, personal courage and example are in accordance with Royal Artillery traditions, and are held in the highest esteem by all ranks of this Battalion.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 April 1954. The original Recommendation states:

'Major Miller joined 16 Field Regiment RNZA as a Troop Commander in 1950. He served with distinction during the early part of the Korean War being awarded the Military Cross for bravery during Operation Commando in late 1951.

Subsequently he served as a Battery Captain and was promoted to command 162 Battery early in 1853. Since then he has demonstrated a consistently high standard of administrative and technical ability. His quiet friendly manner has done much towards achieving the very close infantry-artillery liasion which has been one of the marked features of the Korean War. Not easily discouraged and always of cheerful outlook even in the face of adversity Major Miller has performed his duties in such a manner as to give him great credit.

He has taken part in many engagements with the enemy, some large some small, and at all times under heavy enemy bombardment. In every case he has come through with colours flying.

His services have been such that I strongly recommend him for the award of Mentioned in Desptaches.'

Norman Lawrence Miller served some five years in the Australian Forces before being appointed in the Emergency to the New Zealand Forces in August 1950. Embarked on the Ormonde from Wellington, Miller landed in Korea on 31 December 1950. Having served throughout the campaign, being wounded and winning a brace of awards along the way, he was posted to the Retired List in July 1954.

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Sold for
£700

Starting price
£210