Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Sir
Thomas
Blamey
January 24, 1884

–

May 27, 1951

Sir Thomas Blamey joined the Australian Army as a regular soldier in 1906, and attended the Staff College at Quetta. During the First World War he participated in the landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915, and served as a staff officer in the Gallipoli Campaign. During World War II he was the only Australian to attain the rank of field marshal.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    General

    Division:

    Allied Land Forces, New Guinea

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1942 – January 8, 1943
    Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 5 (January 11, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to General Sir Thomas Blamey, Australian Imperial Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving as Commander of the Allied Land Forces (New Guinea), In action against enemy forces in New Guinea, during the Papuan Campaign, 23 July 1942 to 8 January 1943. General Blarney displayed extraordinary courage, marked efficiency and precise execution of operations during the Papuan Campaign. The intrepidity and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by General Blamey reflect highest credit upon himself and the Allied Forces.