Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Medal Group, CROLL, DFC, DFM, 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

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Overview

Group of 11 Medals awarded for World War 2 service in the Royal Australian Air Force and Korean War service in the Australian Army to Alexander James Croll, DFC, DFM, KGCV. Twice wounded in action - firstly as a WWII airman, then as a Korean War soldier - Alex Croll was the only Australian to receive a Korean Gold Cross of Valour (KGCV).. The KGCV award is described in a separate linked entry.

Historical information

During the Korean War (1950-1953), Australia played a significant role as part of the United Nations (UN) forces in support of South Korea. Australia was one of the first countries to respond to the UN's call for assistance when North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950. Prime Minister Robert Menzies committed Australian troops to the conflict. Battles and Operations:
Australian forces were involved in several major battles and operations during the war. One of the notable engagements was the Battle of Kapyong in April 1951, where the 3RAR successfully defended a crucial position against a larger Chinese force. Australian troops also participated in the Battle of Maryang San and the Battle of Hill 355, both of which were significant victories for the UN forces.
Australia made substantial sacrifices during the war. A total of 17,000 Australian servicemen and women served in Korea, and 340 lost their lives, with over 1,200 wounded. The Australian contribution was not limited to combat troops. Medical units, engineers, and support personnel also played crucial roles in the war effort.
The Korean War ended in an armistice in July 1953, establishing a demilitarized zone along the 38th parallel. Australian troops remained in Korea as part of the UN forces until 1957, participating in the stabilization and reconstruction efforts.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-54-373

Inscriptions and markings

The medals are mounted full width for display purposes not overlapped to a width permitting normal wear. The Medal Group consists of Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Flying Medal, 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Medal with France and Germany Bar, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal, Australian Active Service medal 1945-75, Korean Service medal, United Nations Korea Medal, Australian Service medal 1945-75 with Korea Clasp.

Contextual information

The medals dsiplayed are court mounted replicas. They complete a display honouring the service of Alexander James Croll which includes examples of his pottery and his original Korean Gold Cross of Valour.

Last modified

Thursday, 31 July, 2025

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