Wins Military Medal

Heroic Fijian Action Wins Military Medal

LATEST in the impressive list of decorations won by Fijian soldiers in Malaya is a Military Medal awarded to Lance-Corporal Josaia Kobiti for gallantry during the Communist ambush in which Major R. Genge was killed in February, (April

Pim, P. 85).

Lance-Coporal Kobiti carried both the dead company commander and the unconscious second-in command from the overturned and blazing jeep in which they had been travelling when the terrorists attacked at a strong roadblock.

Always under heavy enemy fire, he then carried his bren-gun up a bank and returned the fire until his ammunition was expended.

Five terrorists advanced, but Kobiti, after dismantling the gun, hurled the barrel at the leading Communists, who opened fire on him but dared advance no further.

Meanwhile, another 12 Com munists had captured the jeep driver, who had also exhausted his ammunition.

At this point police reinforce ments arrived. After a brisk ex change of fire, during which the Fijian driver escaped from his captors, the terrorists were driven off.

The citation refers to Kobiti’s “devotion and undaunted heroism, under heavy fire and in the face of overwhelming odds”, and adds: “His dogged courage is gallantry unsurpassed in the warrior traditions of the Fijian people and the proud history of the Fiji Infantry Regiment”.

t Two well-known French Oce families were recently united v Mile. Yvonne Sommers, daughte Mr. and Mme. Henri Sommers Raiatea, was married in Apri Monseur Alfred Lanteires, sor Mr. and Mme. Etienne Lante of Tahiti. The wedding took p in Papeete Catholic Cathedral.