This medal was awarded to Garth Turon Seccombe for his distinguished service in Greece and Crete during World War II. "At the Corinth Canal, Greece, on 25 April 1941, Warrant Officer Seccombe commanded an armoured car when paratroopers landed in great numbers. He remained in his car under terrific fire from aircraft as the parachutists left their planes he killed several of the enemy by the accuracy of the fire from the Vickers Gun he commanded. This he did until his armoured car was put out of action by strafing from enemy aircraft. He then mustered his men and marched them thirty miles in 10 hours to catch up with his squadron and a pre-arranged rendezvous. On arrival there, however, he was told that the Squadron could not be picked up the the Navy that night. The next day Warrant Officer Seccombe, under orders from his Squadron Commander organised his crew to commandeer a rowing boat of which he took command and set sail for Crete. This journey took four days through heavy seas. Although the men were short of rations and water he remained cool and courageous throughout the trip and kept up the spirits of his men. On arriving at Crete Warrant Officer Seccombe was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 2 NZ Divisional Cavalry Regiment. In the attack on Galatas he took charge of a Battalion of Greeks and led them in a counter attack against the Germans who had infiltrated into the town. The attack was successful but Warrant Officer Seccombe was badly wounded and evacuated to a main dressing station. During this attack he led the Greeks in a bayonet charge and as a result the positions were held for a further 24 hours. Warrant Officer Seccombe was eventually captured but his name remained associated with his Regiment throughout its history. Because of his courage and devotion to duty he was the most missed and respected non-commissioned officer of the Regiment" Source: Polaschek, Alan J The Complete New Zealand Distinguished Conduct Medal. p.323.