Alastair Maclean

US Decoration for Late Capt.

THREE months before he died in New Britain in March, 1948, the late Cap tain Alastair H. Maclean was awarded the US Medal of Freedom. The

citation, which .was received by his mother, Mrs. C. H. Maclean, only in Janu ary, 1949, stated: Captain AL AST AIR H. MACLEAN, NGXS, Australian Imperial Forces. For meritorious service which has aided the United States in the prosecution of the war against Japan in the South-West Pacific Area, from Bth April to 17th August. 1944. As Commanding Officer of an Allied Intelligence Bureau Guerrilla Force in the enemy-held island of New Britain, Captain Maclean led his unit in clearing'enemy patrols from the coastal area between Cape Hoskins and Ulamona, thus securing the flank of the United States 40th Infantry Division. Intelligence of enemy troops and dispositions procured through his efforts proved invaluable in the planning and execution of further thrusts into enemy held portions of the island. In addition, he was instrumental in the capture of enemy docu ments and considerable wireless equipment which greatly facilitated the expeditious transfer of vital intelligence. His extensive knowledge of enemy installations made possible the desig nation of many targets for subsequent air strikes against the Japanese. Through outstanding leadership, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, Captain Maclean made a noteworthy con tribution to the success of military operations in the South-west Pacific Area.

Captain Maclean.