Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

"A" Company, 28th New Zealand Maori Battalion, 6th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, 2nd New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

July 22nd, 1943

"Private Heka was a member of A Company detailed to attack and take an objective to the right of TAKROUNA village on night 19/20 April 1943. Under heavy enemy shelling, A Company mortar and MG fire the Company had to go to ground.

Entirely regardless of his own personal safety Private Heka dashed from cover and attacked an Anti-Tank post single-handed, killed the leader of the post while other members of the gun crew quickly surrendered. Then he attacked three MG posts and succeeded in putting these out of action and taking fourteen prisoners in all. By his aggressiveness, initiative and courage our troops were able to continue their advance."

LG 36102/3314.