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Born: Geelong, Victoria, Australia, 20th November, 1913.
Death: Sandringham Victoria, Australia, 13th November, 1979.
Date of Enlistment: 6th November, 1939.
Service No: VX998
Ranks Held:
Final Rank:
Conflicts/Operations: Second World War, 1939-1945
Death: Sandringham Victoria, Australia, 13th November, 1979.
Date of Enlistment: 6th November, 1939.
Service No: VX998
Ranks Held:
Final Rank:
Conflicts/Operations: Second World War, 1939-1945
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Award: Military Cross (Imperial) Date Granted: 16th of August, 1945 Citation: AMF - South West Pacific |
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Outstanding courage and coolness ARCHEMI 5 March 1945.
“At AROHEMI (Map ref V747246) on 5 Mar 45, this officer was FOO with Mountain Force. After the initial assault on AROHEMI DZ he went forward with a small escort party to within 50 yds of the enemy position to bring artillery fire to bear. Due to the density of jungle this was the only position from which registration could be carried out. During the registration Capt. EASON’s party came under fire from Jap position and one attempt was made by a raiding force to destroy OPO and party. Part of the plan for the attack on the enemy position included an air strike, timed for 0900 hrs, on a target to be indicated by Arty fire and smoke. At 0845 hrs whilst registration was in progress, word was received that air strike was cancelled. As all the guns had not been registered at this time, Capt. EASON and his party moved forward to his former position to complete registration of all guns. Whilst doing this the air strike was, in fact, put down right on Capt. EASON’s OP. Despite the danger and the fact that his signaller and eleven of his escort were either killed or wounded, Capt. EASON held his position and endeavoured to bring down Arty fire to indicate correct target to Air Force. The following day he went forward with recce party to a new OP to check his previous registration. This he was able to do from a position of 50 yds from enemy position. The Infantry, assisted by covering fire, advanced to a position 6 yds from enemy where a grenade battle was fought for 12 hrs. During this battle Capt. EASON remained with forward Infantry to take any advantage that may have presented itself to help the Infantry forward. During the whole operation Capt. EASON’s coolness and courage were outstanding.” – Gazetted Citation.
“At AROHEMI (Map ref V747246) on 5 Mar 45, this officer was FOO with Mountain Force. After the initial assault on AROHEMI DZ he went forward with a small escort party to within 50 yds of the enemy position to bring artillery fire to bear. Due to the density of jungle this was the only position from which registration could be carried out. During the registration Capt. EASON’s party came under fire from Jap position and one attempt was made by a raiding force to destroy OPO and party. Part of the plan for the attack on the enemy position included an air strike, timed for 0900 hrs, on a target to be indicated by Arty fire and smoke. At 0845 hrs whilst registration was in progress, word was received that air strike was cancelled. As all the guns had not been registered at this time, Capt. EASON and his party moved forward to his former position to complete registration of all guns. Whilst doing this the air strike was, in fact, put down right on Capt. EASON’s OP. Despite the danger and the fact that his signaller and eleven of his escort were either killed or wounded, Capt. EASON held his position and endeavoured to bring down Arty fire to indicate correct target to Air Force. The following day he went forward with recce party to a new OP to check his previous registration. This he was able to do from a position of 50 yds from enemy position. The Infantry, assisted by covering fire, advanced to a position 6 yds from enemy where a grenade battle was fought for 12 hrs. During this battle Capt. EASON remained with forward Infantry to take any advantage that may have presented itself to help the Infantry forward. During the whole operation Capt. EASON’s coolness and courage were outstanding.” – Gazetted Citation.