Ernest Albert Corey

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Ernest Albert Corey
20 December 1892 - 25 August 1972 (aged 79)

Ernest Albert Corey MM and 3 Bars
Place of birth Numeralla, NSW
Place of death Canberra, ACT
Allegiance Flag of Australia Commonwealth of Australia
Service/branch Australian Imperial Force
Years of service 1916-1919, 1941-1943
Rank Corporal (WWI)
Private (WWII)
Unit 55th Bn, 2nd Garr Bn
Awards Military Medal and Three Bars

Ernest Albert Corey MM and Three Bars (20 December 1892 - 25 August 1972) was a highly decorated Australian soldier who fought in the First World War.

Corey was born in Numeralla, New South Wales and enlisted in the Australian Army on 13 January 1916 as a stretcher bearer in the 55th Battalion. Corey is believed to be the only soldier to be awarded the Military Medal on 4 occasions; twice in 1917, and twice in 1918. He received a gunshot wound to his right thigh on 30 September 1918, and discharged from the Australian Imperial Force in Sydney on 29 June 1919.

Corey re-enlisted for World War II in the Australian Military Forces on 23 September 1941, and was medically discharged as a Private on 11 October 1943.

Corey died on 25 August 1972 and is buried in the Ex-Servicemen's section of Woden Cemetery. His medals are displayed in the Hall of Valour at the Australian War Memorial. Replicas of his medals and copies of his citations for the Military Medal and 3 Bars can be viewed in the Canberra Services Club (which he was a member of for many years), adjacent to Manuka Oval (Canberra).

Contents

[edit] Memorial

A memorial was erected in honour of Corporal Ernest Albert Corey in Centennial Park, Cooma behind the Cooma Visitors Centre. The inscription reads "In honour of 2143 Corporal Ernest Albert COREY, Military Medal and 3 Bars, 55th. Australian Infantry Battalion 1st. AIF, a member of the Men from Snowy River March. Delegate to Goulburn. The only soldier ever to have been awarded a Military Medal and 3 Bars. 1891 - 1972. Erected by the Citizens of Monaro 1979." Corey Place in the Canberra suburb of Gowrie is named after him.

[edit] Citations

[edit] Military Medal

Corey’s citation read: "During the enemy attack on front line facing Queant on 15th May 1917, Pte Corey, whilst acting as a stretcher bearer, showed great courage and devotion to duty. Although under direct enemy observation, he carried out his duties continuously for 17 hours without rest, and in a manner worthy of the highest commendation. Although an untrained stretcher bearer, he, together with the rest of the bearing party saved by first aid the lives of seriously wounded men. The Commander of the 54th Bn wrote an appreciation for the help given, and specially mentioned the stretcher bearing party for their good work."

[edit] 1st Bar

The citation for his first Bar read: "This stretcher bearer showed great courage, devotion to duty and untiring energy during the attack on Polygon Wood on the 26th September 1917. The greatest danger did not deter this man from doing his duty when his services were required, and he tended the wounded and carried them to places of safety continuously throughout the engagement, often under very heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Throughout the whole operations he set a fine example of bravery and coolness to all ranks.”"

[edit] 2nd Bar

The citation for his second Bar records: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations at Peronne on 1st and 2nd September 1918. This man who is a stretcher bearer, dressed and carried wounded of several units throughout the whole of the operation. Although the enemy artillery and machine gun fire was exceptionally heavy, this did not debar this man from carrying on. He worked continuously and arduously and was the means of saving the lives of many of the wounded. He was most unselfish throughout and cheerful at all times and under all circumstances. His careful handling of the wounded and his knowledge of first aid helped greatly to relieve their sufferings; throughout the operations he set a fine example of courage, coolness, determination and devotion to duty, under heavy fire."

[edit] 3rd Bar

The citation for his third bar records: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as NCO in charge of Battalion stretcher bearers during an attack on the Hindenburg Line north of Bellicourt on 30 September 1918. Although enemy machine gun and shell fire were intense, this gallant NCO directed the operations of the Battalion stretcher bearers with the utmost skill and bravery. Regardless of personal danger, he, on numerous occasions although the enemy were firing upon him and other bearer parties, attended to men and carried them from the most exposed positions. His efforts were untiring and he set a splendid example to all ranks until he was severely wounded. It was mainly due to his magnificent work that the wounded were safely removed from the danger zone."

[edit] Honours and awards


[edit] References

Persondata
NAME Corey, Ernest Albert
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION highly decorated Australian soldier
DATE OF BIRTH December 20, 1892
PLACE OF BIRTH Numeralla, New South Wales
DATE OF DEATH August 25, 1972
PLACE OF DEATH Canberra, Australian Capital Territory