Jim Gordon (Australian soldier)
James Gordon | |
|---|---|
Corporal James Gordon in October 1941 | |
| Born | 7 March 1909 Rockingham, Western Australia |
| Died | 24 July 1986 (aged 77) Repatriation General Hospital, Hollywood, Western Australia |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1968 |
| Rank | Warrant Officer Class II |
| Unit | 2/31st Battalion |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Relations | William Gordon (father) Sir John Gordon (uncle) |
James Hannah Gordon, VC (7 March 1909 – 24 July 1986) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Gordon was one of 20 Australians to receive the award for their actions during the Second World War, receiving it for deeds he performed while fighting against the Vichy France during the Syria-Lebanon campaign, in which he personally bayonetted five Vichy French machine-gunners in the Battle of Jezzine.
Gordon later served against the Japanese in the New Guinea campaign and after the war became a soldier in the Australian Regular Army, serving until 1968. He died in 1986, at the age of 77.