Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Lance-Bombardier W. A. Williams, 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, who was wounded by gun shot to the left thigh on 31 July 1965, the first New Zealander casualty of the Vietnam War

Vietnam 1964-73 (538644 L/Bdr W A Williams RNZA); South Vietnam Medal 1964, 1 clasp, 1960- (538644 L/Bdr W A Williams RNZA) traces of lacquer, good very fine (2) £500-£700

Walter Abraham Williams enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Artillery and was part of the original force of 9 officers and 101 other ranks, all of 161 Battery, R.N.Z.A., that was sent to Vietnam in a combat roll during the Vietnam War in July 1965. Williams served as No. 3 on the gun crew (which meant that he was actually the man who fired the gun). The battery was initially under the command of 173rd United States Airborne Brigade at Ben Hoa Airbase near Saigon. Williams was wounded by gunshot to the left thigh shortly after 4:30 a.m. on the morning of 31 July 1965, the first New Zealander casualty of the War.

A total of 3,890 New Zealanders (all volunteers) served in Vietnam 1964-73; 35 were killed in action and 187 (including Williams) were wounded.

Sold with a hand written letter from the recipient, and various copied research.