Lance Corporal G. D. King, MM; Taumarunui; born Taringamotu, 19 Mar 1922; millhand; twice wounded. (Source: Cody, J.F. 28 Maori Battalion. p.425.)

'The troops crossed the start line at a quarter to six in the morning (12 October) and reached the first halt line, the Rio Baldona, an hour later without much trouble, with no casualties and with eleven prisoners. One newcomer to the battalion, with more enthusiasm than discretion, shot up the cemetery in passing but was gently reproved by his platoon sergeant: ‘You shoot at live Jerries, Arthur, not dead ones.’

The 23rd Battalion, which owing to the winding of the Baldona had much further to go, was not far behind.

While this movement was in progress the enemy blew sky high the Sant' Angelo bridge over the Rio Baldona but showed no intention of vacating the village itself. There were more strong-points near C Company prepared to defend the Baldona stream and the troops had a bad time from them and from guns and mortars further back. Lance-Corporal G. D. King took his section forward to quieten the fire, which had cost nine casualties since the company had halted on the Baldona. He stalked a spandau post and killed most of the occupants, only to find that the position was dominated by another post. King was wounded but able to carry on, and he led his section to a flank and rushed the second post. He stayed with his section for some hours but had finally to give in and be evacuated. In due course the award of an immediate MM was announced.' (Source: Cody, J.F. 28 Maori Battalion. p. 425.; Kay, R. Italy Volume II : From Cassino to Trieste. p. 258.) AWMM