James Richard MCLAUGHLIN

James enlisted in Citizens Military Force (Reserves) on 25 Jun 1941 and was posted to 16th Battalion. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 2 Mar 1942, he enlisted in A.I.F. on 13 Jun 1942 and promoted Acting Corporal on 20 Oct 1942. He reverted to Private on 26 Jan 1943 and attended 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943. He joined 2/2nd on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 5 Section, “B” Troop. He was wounded in action and remained on duty on 25 Oct 1943 and returned to Australia with the unit aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 5 Section, “B” Troop.

He returned to Australia aboard "WESTRALIA" on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 2 Jan 1946.

There is a notation on his service papers that he may have re-enlisted into R.A.A.F. on 4 Feb 1952.

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 "S.W.Pacific".