Leon James Murdoch MCMILLAN

Leon was a member of 1st New Guinea Infantry Battalion with service No 5 / 46 when he transferred to the A.I.F on 16 Sept 1942. He was posted to Australian Armoured Training Battalion on 24 Sept 1942, attended an Intelligence Course (&th Australian Special Company) 30 Nov 1942 to 29 Dec 1942. He was appointed Acting Bombardier on13 Jan 1943 and was posted to 1st Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943, reverting to Private same day. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 8 Jun 1943 and was posted to 1st Australian Recruit Training Battalion on 26 Jun 1943.

He was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 17 Nov 1943 and revert to Private on 19 Nov 1943. He flew to New Guinea on 23 Dec 1943 and joined the 2/2nd as a Trooper on 13 Mar 1944.  Leon transferred to New Guinea Infantry Battalion on 28 Jun 1944 and appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on same day. He was promoted Sergeant on 3 Aug 1944 and embarked for Bouganville aboard "JAMES OLIVER" on 21 Nov 1944. He joined "A" Company, 1st New Guinea Infantry Battalion on 24 Nov 1944 and was wounded in action on 8 Feb 1945, returning to 1st New Guinea Infantry Battalion on 2 Mar 1945. He was promoted Lieutenant on 16 May 1945 and embarked for New Britain on 2 Jun 1945 then embarked for Mototai on 8 Jun 1945. He flew to Australia on 8 Dec and flew back to New Britain on 11 Dec 1945.

He returned to Australia aboard "MANUNDA" on 19 May 1946 and was discharged on 8 Aug 1946.

Leon was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the South West Pacific London Gazette 14 Feb 1946 and Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 34, 21 Feb 1946.

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp