Navy Federal Credit Union

Geoffrey Pitt was one of four Australian soldiers awarded the Soldier’s Medal in going to the rescue of a wrecked ship; all four men died in their heroic effort.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    6th Australian Machine Gun Battalion

    Division:

    Australian Imperial Forces

    Action Date:

    May 16, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Private Jeffrey William Pitt, Australian Imperial Forces, for heroism at Sydney, Australia, while serving with the 6th Australian Machine Gun Battalion, in action on 16 May 1943. A ship was driven ashore and wrecked on a reef at Bass Point. The seas were running high. Knowing full well the dangers confronting him, Private Pitt fearlessly went to the rescue of sailors and soldiers aboard the distressed vessel. While so engaged he disappeared and was presumably drowned.