Irish Medals

Medals awarded for service in the Congo.

Military Medal for Gallantry 2nd Class with Distinction:

806115 Trooper Anthony Browne: Killed in Action Niemba Ambush on the 8th of November 1960. A small patrol of Irish soldiers under Lt Kevin Gleeson had set out to examine a damaged bridge near Niemba when they were attacked by 200 warriors. Gleeson was forced to order his men to open fire as they got to a small hill, but they were quickly overrun, killing about two dozen of their attackers. Some of the soldiers managed to scatter into the bush, and one of them, Trooper Anthony Browne, won Ireland's highest military award for bravery that day, the Military Medal for Gallantry. Browne had a chance of escaping but he fired his sub-machinegun at a group of Balubas attacking Pte Tom Kenny, who was one of two survivors of the 11-man patrol. Trooper Browne's body was recovered in 1962 in a special Irish Army operation.

The citation for Trooper Anthony Brown’s medal reads:

He endeavoured to create an opportunity to allow an injured comrade to escape by firing his Gustaf thereby drawing attention to his own position which he must have been aware would endanger his life. He had reasonable opportunity to escape because he was not wounded but chose to remain with his injured comrade.

Distinguished Service Medal With Honour:

0.4427 Lieutenant-General John McKeown

For distinguished service as Commander, United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, from January 1961 to March 1962. Lieutenant-General McKeown commanded some 20,000 troops in the cause of peace. In an operation over a vast area with limited communications and varied circumstances, his task demanded leadership and moral and physical courage of a high order. By displaying these qualities in an outstanding manner throughout his term of office, he, in the words of the Secretary general, United Nations, ‘discharged his responsibilities with eminence’.

0.5165 Commandant Kevin Nunan

For distinguished service as Commander, United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for bravery in rescuing Trooper Nolan from drowning in the Mulungushi river. Whilst on a patrol in a jeep, with Commandant Nunan and two others, toppled off a demolished bridge in darkness into a flooded river. Commandant Nunan was swept downstream for about 75 yards before getting to the bank and then, although a poor swimmer, he went back into the centre of the river to rescue Trooper Nolan who was a non-swimmer and in grave danger.

0.6510 Captain Arthur Megennis

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, by showing outstanding courage in going through hostile territory to negotiate for the lives of captured comrades whose execution had been threatened. While fighting between United Nations and Katangese forces was in progress in the Elizabethville area, he agreed to being blindfolded and travelled on the 15ht to the 16th of September, unarmed with hostile troops whose respect for the rules of war he could not trust. He accomplished his mission at great personal risk, ensuring that the lives of his comrades would be spared.

81244 Corporal Charles Connelly

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, by acts of bravery and devotion to duty under fire as a medical orderly, during December 1961, in the Elizabethville area. Regardless of his own safety, he attended casualties under heavy mortar and small arms fire during which a non-commissioned officer was seriously wounded and later died. On another occasion, on his own initiative, he crossed open country swept by fire to render first aid. In this action an officer and a soldier died, but despite the danger involved, Corporal Connelly continued to bring medical aid to other who were wounded.

Distinguished Service Medal With Distinction:

0.4530 Colonel Justin McCarthy

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, as Chief Operations Officer/Deputy Chief of Staff from August to October 1960, Colonel McCarthy was instrumental in getting the first Amorphous Force Staff working and his boundless devotion to duty brought in through many crises. He gave of his utmost beyond the call of duty. The exhausting burden of his duties contributed to his untimely death.

0.4938 Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Barry

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying courage and leadership in September 1960, as Commandant, whilst in command at Manono. Despite continuous threats of attack from a large body of Balubas, he so disposed his company that he succeeded in protecting the lives of 250 refugees and evacuating them to safety.

0.4484 Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hogan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying courage and leadership of a high degree. Although in ill-health at the time, Lieutenant Colonel Hogan did not spare himself in working for the welfare and morale of all ranks. By his disregard for his own personal safety and his constant presence in the area of hostilities, he contributed greatly to the success of his battalion in its difficult mission.

0.6580 Commandant Gníomhach Columhach Browne

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for leadership and devotion to duty. Commandant Browne, then captain, volunteered to take a team of three non-commissioned officers into the port of Matadi to clear essential Un supplies. Although UN personnel had been driven from the port some time before and other nationalities had declined to undertake the task. Commandant Browne and his team, by tact and patience, carried out the extremely dangerous operation successfully despite numerous difficulties and hazards.

0.6378 Commandant Joseph Fitzpatrick

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying courage and leadership when securing an important position in Elizabethville on the 16th of December 1961. The leading platoon suffered casualties, but Commandant Fitzpatrick exposed himself repeatedly to fire and, by his personal courage, energy and leadership, maintained the impetus of the advance until the objective was attained.

0.7107 Commandant James Flynn

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for outstanding leadership of a patrol over a distance of approximately 1,000 miles of unknown territory. During the period of the 7th to the 13th of October 1961, he was in command of a patrol with the task of following a Baluba war party. The patrol encountered numerous difficulties – armed and threatening Balubas, broken and burned bridges, impassable roads and rivers. Because of these obstacles, Commandant Flynn was forced to make a very long detour frequently threatened by hostile tribesmen. By his leadership, resourcefulness, courage and prudence, he brought his patrol safely back to base.

0.7275 Captain Thomas Boyle

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for leadership. The Heavy Mortar Troop commanded by Captain Boyle took part in numerous engagements in Katanga in December 1962 and in January 1963, supporting Indian and Ethiopian troops as well as their own. On all occasions the troop preformed in a most efficient and praiseworthy manner due to the example leadership and devotion to duty of Captain Boyle.

0.7168 Captain James Lavery

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for leadership and courage. During the operations of December 1962, Captain Lavery led the advance of the Irish troops on Kipushi and displayed courage and leadership in the handling of his armoured cars, disregarding his own safety to direst and control their fire. His handling of a team charged with attending to the problem of 15,000 refugees, solved the problem in a matter of days, mainly through his efficient leadership.

0.7422 Captain Roger McCorley

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in preforming his duty with courage and initiative during the period 13th to the 17th of September 1961, in the Elizabethville area. To get better observation for the mortar fire he frequently exposed himself to danger with complete disregard for his own safety.

0.7806 Captain John Norton

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo for leadership and courage. From the 8th to the 16th of December 1961 immediately on its arrival in Elizabethville captain Norton’s platoon was involved in active operations. The platoon displayed efficiency, aggressiveness and high morale under heavy fire and this was due to captain Norton’s leadership and courage. His disregard for his personal safety and his tireless energy were an inspiration to his men.

0.7280 Captain Michael Purfield

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying courage and leadership of a high degree on several occasions. During a period in September 1961 he was prominent in his disregard for his own personal safety in volunteering for dangerous missions and by his efficient execution of such missions.

0.7668 Captain Thomas Quinlan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for leadership during the period September to December 1961 in Katanga. Then a Lieutenant, his platoon engaged in action on a number of occasions and displayed aggressiveness and sprit of a high degree, which was due to his excellent qualities of leadership and courage.

0.7887 Lieutenant Peter Feely

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying courage and leadership. From the time of his arrival in the Congo, Lieutenant Feely was engaged in action and he displayed coolness and control at all times. When his platoon was ordered to clear snipers from railway carriages in Elizabethville, he personally handled the task, dashing in close to the carriages. Lobbing grenades through the windows before entering the carriages to clear them.

0.7857 Lieutenant Anthony Murphy

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying initiative and aggressiveness at Kamina Base on the 16th of September 1961. Lieutenant Murphy was called on to take up a defensive position but found it occupied and immediately attacked. His successful aggressive action prevented the opposing forces from obtaining a foothold in Kamina Base with its important UN installations and quarters.

0.7776 Lieutenant Patrick Riordan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying courage and leadership during the period of hostilities in December 1961. Lieutenant Riordan was tireless in his task in insuring the efficiency and welfare of his platoon under very trying circumstances and it was while actually leading his platoon in an attack that he met his death.

87182 Sergeant-Major Patrick Norris

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, by his courageous behaviour under fire. On the 8th of December 1961, Sergeant-major Norris, then Sergeant Norris was an anti-tank gunner on a patrol against snipers in Elizabethville. On a number of occasions when the patrol was fired upon, Sergeant Norris exposed himself to fire in order to use his weapon effectively and he was eventually wounded in doing so. His behaviour was extremely courageous and the fact that the remainder of the patrol returned was due in large measure to his actions.

415646 Company Sergeant Daniel Carroll

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for courage and devotion to duty over several periods of service. He performed all his duties with energy, ability, enthusiasm and impartiality and showed personal courage and coolness under fire.

801545 Company Sergeant Walter Hegarty

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, during two service periods in 1960 and 1961. He displayed outstanding leadership, resourcefulness and courage on numerous occasions. His personal example and efficiency were an inspiration to other and a boost to the morale of his men.

82684 Company Sergeant William McLoughlin

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo in 1961. As an engineer non-commissioned officer, Company Sergeant, Sergeant McLoughlin served his unit in many technical capacities with skill and ingenuity. Above all, his devotion to duty and energy were an inspiration to those around him.

802236 Company Quartermaster Sergeant James Cotter

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for courage and devotion to duty. During the period 17th to 20th of march 1963, the then Corporal Cotter, spent all the hours of daylight in a partially cleared minefield in an effort to find the remaining live mines. The successful completion of this task, which resulted in the location of mines, was due to his sustained courage and devotion to duty.

804718 Sergeant Alfred Johnson

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in acting courageously on the 29th of September 1960 while on sentry duty at Kisanji post in Goma. Then a Private, he displayed courage and alertness when a comrade soldier approached his post, firing a rifle dangerously. At the risk of his own life, Sergeant Johnson grappled with the man and succeeded in gaining possession of the rifle and ammunition.

76595 Sergeant John Quirk

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for leadership and courage. The heavy mortar troop with the Irish unit in Katanga in December 1962 and January 1963, took part in numerous engagements supporting Indian and Ethiopian troops as well as their own. On all occasions the troop performed in a most efficient manner. Sergeant Quirk, as a non-commissioned officer in charge of ammunitions, by his initiative and disregard for his own safety, succeeded in maintaining the supply of ammunition to the guns despite tremendous difficulties. His actions contributed largely to the success of the unit.

801232 Sergeant Michael Rowland

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for bravery and leadership. On the 13th of September 1961, he was in charge of a light armoured car conveying a civilian technician to Elizabethville Post Office. Confronted by superior forces and armour and finding all roads blocked, he fought his way through and accomplished his mission. Sergeant Rowland showed bravery, initiative and leadership of a high quality during this action.

92754 Sergeant George Shaughnessy

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for leadership and courage. On the 13th of September 1961 he was a non-commissioned officer in charge of a transport escort which was destroyed by armoured cars in Elizabethville. The was forced to leave its transport and move across open country to the protection of a friendly post. During this move, Sergeant Shaughnessy, on several occasions, deliberately exposed himself to fire in order to get his men to safety. He displayed qualities of leadership and courage in a difficult and dangerous situation.

81154 Corporal William Allen

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for leadership and courage. The heavy mortar troop with the Irish unit in Katanga in December 1962 and January 1963, took part in numerous engagements supporting Indian and Ethiopian troops as well as their own. On all occasions the troop performed in a most efficient manner and Corporal Allen was by his personal example of leadership and courage largely responsible for the action of his detachment.

810957 Corporal Gerald Francis

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying leadership and courage under fire. During the period of hostilities in December 1961, when his platoon commander had been killed and he himself had been wounded, Corporal Francis remained with his section and successfully completed his tasks.

805463 Corporal John Kavanagh

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying courage to a high degree at Lufira Bridge in the 16th of September 1961. Corporal Kavanagh left the protection of an armoured car and brought back a shocked member of his section pinned down by fire. He also brought the man’s arms and equipment to safety.

808720 Corporal Patrick Gregan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, for courage and devotion to duty. On the 16th of December 1961, he deliberately exposed himself to heavy automatic fire on a number of occasions in order to use his own 84mm anti-tank rifle more effectively. His courageous actions and accurate fire were of great assistance to his platoon and helped it to complete its mission without heavy casualties. Later in the action, although wounded, he continued until ordered back for treatment.

807531 Corporal Michael O’Sullivan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo, in displaying courage and devotion to duty. In September 1961, during the evacuation of the garrison at Kilubi, Corporal O’Sullivan volunteered to remain alone at his wireless set throughout the night and maintained vital contact with headquarters. The balance of his unit was 5 miles away and an attack on his position imminent.

801763 Private Anthony Connolly

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of Congo on the 14th of September 1960, at Monona. He chose to remain in an exposed position isolated from his unit in order to maintain wireless contact with Battalion headquarters. Fighting was in progress between Katangese forces and baluba tribesmen around his position, but Private Connolly remained at his post and provided communications for approximately 24 hours until the situation eased. His conduct was most meritorious and beyond that required by the call of duty.

Distinguished Service Medal with Merit:

80322 Company Sergeant Felix Grand

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty and zeal of a high order. He continued to discharge his duties in an exemplary and devoted manner although suffering from an illness which eventually caused his death.

113797 Company Sergeant Christopher Walsh

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty over several periods of service. By his loyalty, enthusiasm, zeal and resourcefulness, he was an inspiration to those under him and a source of confidence to his superiors.

805446 Sergeant William Whelan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty. Sergeant Whelan volunteered for a team of three non-commissioned officers who had to enter the port of Matadi to clear essential UN supplies, although UN personnel had been driven from the port some time before and other nationalities had declined to undertake to task. The team, by tact and patience, carried of the extremely dangerous operation successfully, despite numerous difficulties and hazards.

809456 Sergeant John Ryan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying devotion to duty while serving as a wireless operator during a period of hostilities Sergeant Ryan, then a Corporal, succeeded in maintaining communications despite difficult and hazardous conditions and by his skill, composure and devotion to duty, played a major part in the success of his battalion’s operations.

94557 Sergeant William O’Sullivan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty over several periods of service in the capacity of Pipe band Commander. His contribution to peace-keeping was considerable on many occasions.

804643 Sergeant James McCafferty

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for resourcefulness and devotion to duty. As a Corporal, his work in the unaccustomed and responsible role of unofficial interpreter was invaluable to his Officer Commanding. In performing his duties he worked long hours, often beyond the call of duty, but his work was always excellent and his conduct and discipline exemplary.

87410 Sergeant Patrick Mulcahy

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying leadership and devotion to duty to a high degree. Although painfully wounded during hostilities in December 1961, he refused to leave his platoon and subsequently, whilst looking after his men, he received the wound from which he died.

809418 Sergeant Daniel Mannix

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying devotion to duty on several periods of service. Sergeant Mannix, then a Corporal, distinguished himself by the care and time which he devoted to his men. During active operations, his leadership and control were of a high order.

415968 Sergeant Patrick Hayes

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty on several periods of service. He was thorough and conscientious in the performance of all tasks assigned to him and often worked long and late hours to complete suck tasks. His discipline, bearing and devotion to duty were exemplary.

75746 Sergeant William Hartley

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for resourcefulness and devotion to duty. Sergeant Hartley supervised and worked on the repair of two wrecked armoured cars. With limited workshop facilities and by working long hours and by improvisation, he succeeded in returning both cars to service. He worked over and beyond the normal call of duty and displayed skill, resourcefulness and devotion to duty.

75418 Sergeant John Daly

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty. Sergeant Daly volunteered for a team of three non-commissioned officers who had to enter the port of Matadi to clear essential UN supplies, although UN personnel had been driven from the port some time before and other nationalities had declined to undertake to task. The team, by tact and patience, carried of the extremely dangerous operation successfully, despite numerous difficulties and hazards.

92680 Sergeant Richard Connolly

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty on several periods of service. Sergeant Connolly was tireless at whatever task he was allotted and was outstanding in the performance of all duties given to him.

86572 Sergeant Joseph Cashman

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for resourcefulness and devotion to duty. As Company Sergeant of Military Police, he displayed outstanding diligence and devotion to duty in all police liaison duties assigned to him over long periods and often at personal risk in potentially dangerous situations.

86649 Sergeant Daniel Ahern

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for resourcefulness and devotion to duty. As a fitter at Kolwezi in November 1963, faced with unserviceable and irreplaceable transport, he improvised tools and equipment. His technical ability, allied with his leadership and his devotion to duty, was to a large extent responsible for keeping his unit mobile.

86692 Sergeant John O’Reilly

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo during the period October to December 1960 in displaying resourcefulness and devotion to duty while on many patrols and train guards as an Engineer Corporal his personal energy and leadership and willingness to undertake any task were a source of inspiration to his comrades.

424442 Sergeant Thomas McGuire

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty over several periods of service. He preformed all his duties with determination, initiative and ingenuity and showed great professional and military skill in all his work as a mechanical transport fitter.

93854 Sergeant Patrick McCormack

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying leadership and resourcefulness at Kabalo from the 6th to the 11th of October 1960. He was in charge of a train guard of four men which was isolated in the railway station in kabalo. The town was under attack by Balubas but Sergeant McCormack organised the station house for defence and gave protection to a large number of refugees. He also organised an emergency hospital to treat Katangese casualties injured in battle nearby.

806492 Corporal Aiden Doyle

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo in 1961 while serving as a cook. Throughout the entire period of his service he worked over and beyond the call of duty. His energy, enthusiasm, devotion to duty and general efficiency were an example to all. His tirelessness eventually endangered his health, but heedless of medical advice, he continued to the end of his service to do trojan work.

803838 Corporal John Keenen

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, as a Private soldier, in displaying leadership and courage. On several occasions he endangered his own life by his courage and at all times he was alert and energetic. He led a party of Swedish soldiers under fire and placed them in fire positions. His bravery and devotion to duty was an example to his comrades.

806540 Corporal Anthony Woodcock

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying leadership and devotion to duty during the period December 1961 to May 1962, Corporal Woodcock, then a Private soldier, was an example to his comrade soldiers by his calmness and initiative. Although painfully wounded at one stage, he insisted that another wounded soldier receive treatment before himself and displayed calmness and fortitude which had a considerable effect on the remainder of his platoon.

78324 Corporal Francis O’Neill

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo. For devotion to duty. Corporal O’Neill worked day and night and was at all times available to arrange transport for patrols and other details at short notice. His devotion to duty was outstanding.

804396 Corporal Edward Nolan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for devotion to duty. Corporal Nolan volunteered for a team of three non-commissioned officers who had to enter the port of Matadi to clear essential UN supplies, although UN personnel had been driven from the port some time before and other nationalities had declined to undertake to task. The team, by tact and patience, carried of the extremely dangerous operation successfully, despite numerous difficulties and hazards.

808612 Corporal John Kealy

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for courage and devotion to duty. On several occasions over a number of periods of service, he showed courage, initiative and disregard for his own personal safety. On one occasion he volunteered to accompany an officer on a highly dangerous mission across the River Luvua and into the unfriendly town of kiambi to investigate the whereabouts of a missing family.

809084 Corporal James Feery

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for courage and devotion to duty during the period of the 5th to the 19th of December 1961. He showed great courage by taking un an exposed position to get fire effect with his 84mm anti-tank gun., destroying one armoured car and driving off other attacks. In addition, he worked to the verge of collapse in preparing and improving gun-posts. His courage and determination were an inspiration to the remainder of the unit.

808427 Corporal James Fallon

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying devotion to duty to a high degree. The then Private Fallon insisted in remaining with his platoon although his brother had been killed in action. He displayed character, leadership and initiative to such an extent that he was promoted during his period of service overseas.

96057 Private Patrick Wall

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying resourcefulness and devotion to duty. In 1961, Private, Acting Corporal Wall was assigned as a driver to the U.N. representative in Katanga. He carried out his duties most satisfactorily in difficult circumstances. On one occasion, by his calmness, he succeeded in getting his passenger to safety when they were assaulted by unfriendly soldiers.

806014 Private James Murray

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying devotion to duty and courage. During a period of hostilities in December 1961, Private Murray, a cook, repeatedly endangered himself by brining food to the troops under fire. On one occasion, a container of food was blown out of his hands by a mortar bomb, yet he returned immediately with fresh supply.

78854 Private Peter Madigan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for outstanding devotion to duty over several periods of service. Private Madigan’s loyalty, steadiness and general trustworthiness made him a very valuable man wherever he served and these attributes, together with his devotion to duty, proved to be a steadying and beneficial influence to all his fellow soldiers.

78361 Private Christopher Doolan

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo during the period 13th to the 22nd of September 1961. As a rifleman he was untiring. He took over the duties of cook when his platoon was cut off from Company headquarters. In this capacity he worked long hours under adverse conditions to provide for his comrades. His devotion to duty over the period resulted in his health breaking down.

90811 Private John Clarke

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, in displaying devotion to duty during the period December 1961 to May 1962. Private Clarke worked long hours and displayed skill above the normal as a motor fitter and as a manufacture of furniture, showers and ovens. He contributed in no small fashion to the wellbeing of his comrades by his devotion to duty, and was an inspiration to all ranks.

811638 Signalman John Murray

For distinguished service with the United Nations Force in the Republic of the Congo, for his resourcefulness and devotion to duty over several periods of service. Private Murray worked many extra hours at a variety of tasks and at all of them showed diligence, conscientiousness and ability far above the normal.

Niemba Ambush

The tragedy struck on 8 November 1960 near the village of Niemba in Katanga, when an eleven-man Irish patrol was ambushed by Baluba tribesmen at a river Crossing. The Irish had been sent out to repair a bridge that the Baluba had destroyed the previous day to halt incursions into their territory by Katangan troops.

Eight members of the Irish patrol died at the scene, hit by a hail of arrows. Some were bludgeoned to death as they lay wounded. Others died within minutes from the effect of poison on the arrow tips. Not all the arrows were poisoned but those that were had been dipped in the deadly venom of the black mamba snake. Approximately 25 Baluba were killed in return fire. Three Irish soldiers managed to escape. Two of these, Tom Kenny and Joe Fitzpatrick, were found alive a few days later in a search operation. But the search parties failed to find the third man, Anthony Browne, who was initially listed as missing, presumed dead. Browne's body was recovered on the 7th of November 1962.

From 1960 to 1964 a total of 26 Irish soldiers died in the Congo. Of these, four died in traffic accidents, while three were shot accidentally, two died of natural causes and one died following a medical operation. The bulk of the casualties arose from the Niemba massacre and the fighting for control of Elisabethville in 1961.

The 'not so Irish' Congo Medal

Before buying any UN medals credited to the Irish Army is it best to check the internet as the majority of medals offer as Irish Army have never been next or near a member of the Irish Defence Forces and can be purchased for a fraction of the price without the supposed Irish Army connection.

The piece of ribbon on the left in the image is the proper Congo medal ribbon. The piece of ribbon on the right is from a NATO medal. Several websites and auctions are offering medals and ribbon advertised as Congo medals with this NATO ribbon instead of the correct Congo ribbon. The ribbon on the right is darker and thicker than the correct ribbon.