podcast – The DocNetwork

The Highest Decorated Stretcher Bearer: Cpl Ernest Albert Corey MM and Three Bars

November 17, 2022July 31, 2023 Docwinters

I Was Only Doing My Job, Podcast, Transcripts

8-February-1917. While serving as a Stretcher Bearer as part of 55th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. Corporal Ernest Albert “Ernie” Corey, was awarded an unprecedented four Military Medals, the third highest award for gallantry in the British System of Awards for his tireless and continual devotion to rescuing wounded soldiers during the war on the Western Front. Despite the claim of being the Highest Decorated Australian Soldier, Corey was a timid man who took great pride in the knowledge that he received four Military Medals for saving people and never fired a shot in anger.

“There and Back Again” Corporal Leslie Charles”Bull” Allen MM USS (D-2/5Btn 2AIF) 30-JULY-1943

August 13, 2021July 31, 2023 Docwinters

I Was Only Doing My Job, Podcast, Transcripts

30-JULY-1943 Serving as a Stretcher Bearer in the 2/5th Infantry Battalion Second Australian Imperial Force, Cpl Leslie “Bull” Allen would participate in the Battle of Mount Tambu, and assist forces of the 1st Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, US Army. with casualties rising, and both US medics killed, Bull Allen would voluntarily walk into the battlespace and recover between ten and seventeen wounded American soldiers.

He would carry them one after another on his back, only stopping when he physically couldn’t continue, and for his actions, he would receive the United States Silver Star, the third-highest medal of Bravery, and the highest that could be awarded to a non-US citizen.

When asked of his gallant deeds during the Second World War, this Gentle Giant would simply say. “I was only doing my job.”