Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1941

"For devotion to duty as GSO 1 throughout the operations and especially for personal recce by night and day on 21, 25 and 29 May. Though subjected to considerable terrain through enemy action and loss of sleep he showed cheerfulness, capacity for work, and readiness to accept responsibility which contributed largely to the successful withdrawal of the troops, under conditions of extreme difficulty."

Originally recommended for a DSO.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

2nd New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

November 5th, 1942

"Colonel Gentry was GSO 1 for 2 New Zealand Division in the battle of Alamein. He displayed conspicuous skill and organising ability in the field during the complicated mobile operations leading up to the stabilisation of the Alamein line and the hard fighting which immediately ensued. This officer during a period of great stress and often under heavy fire, displayed the greatest coolness, skill and determination which was an inspiration to all with whom he came in contact."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Awarded on:

December 15th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

April 6th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

9th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, 2nd New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

October 18th, 1945

"For great gallantry and devotion to duty as commander of an infantry brigade during the recent campaign. After preliminary operations at COTTIGNOLA his brigade took part in two consecutive full scale attacks against bitter opposition across the SILLARO and GAIANA rivers. Throughout these operations his skill and efficiency as a commander was of the highest order. During the battle of the SILLARO the troops under his command, together with the 6th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, effectively destroyed the German 278th Div. During the battle of the GAIANA his brigade, together with 43 Gurkha Lorried Infantry Brigade, mauled the enemy's 4th Para Div together with elements of 1st Para Div. These most successful operations played a decisive part in breaking enemy resistance south of the PO. Brigadier Gentry was then called upon to reorganise his brigade for mobile warfare at short notice. He carried out this task with speed and efficiency, and subsequently directed his brigade during the rapid and fast moving advance of the Division from the ADIGE river to TRIESTE. In this advance he kept constantly forward and in touch with the ever changing situation. His gallant and exemplary conduct, often under fire, was a decisive factor in the operations of the Division."

Awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

March 20th, 1947

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

9th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, 2nd New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

November 19th, 1948

"Brigadier Gentry rendered meritorious service in Italy from February to May, 1945, as Commanding Officer of 9 New Zealand Infantry Brigade. He led his Brigade with outstanding gallantry and distinction, which responded to the intensive training imparted to it just prior to the Spring offensive. During the final stage of this drive he reorganized on short notice his unit into a Lorried Infantry Brigade, and led the advance of the Division from the Adige River to Trieste, thus contributing materially to the termination of hostilities in this theatre and the crowning success of the Allied Forces in the Mediterranean theatre of operations."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

1950

Rank:

Major-General

Awarded on:

June 10th, 1954

Rank:

Major-General

Awarded on:

June 12th, 1958

Waziristan and Malabar.