Richard Kelliher

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richard Kelliher(VC), born 1 September 1910 Ballybeggan, Tralee, Co Kerry was an Irish born recipient and likewise a naturalised immigrant Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 33 years old, and a Private in the 2/25th Battalion, (Queensland), Australian Military Forces during the World War II, when the following act of heroism took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 13 September 1943 in New Guinea, Southwest Pacific, the platoon to which Private Kelliher was attached came under very heavy fire from a concealed machine gun which inflicted severe casualties and prevented the platoon's advance. Private Kelliher suddenly, on his own initiative, dashed towards the post and hurled two grenades at it, which killed some of the enemy but not all. He returned to his section, seized a Bren gun, dashed back to the enemy post and silenced it. He then asked permission to go out again to rescue his wounded section leader, which he accomplished successfully under heavy fire from another enemy position.

Richard Kelliher died at Melbourne, Australia, 28 January 1963. In 1966, Kelliher's VC was bought at auction for $2,000 and donated to the Australian War Memorial where it is on display.