Australia. Korean War Pair, To Private Royston Ernest Hammond, 3Rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Royal Australian Infantry Corps

Korea Medal (3400888 R.E. HAMMOND); and United Nations Service Medal for Korea (3400888 R.E. HAMMOND). Naming is officially impressed on both. Mounted to a suspension with swing bar pinback, as worn by the veteran, original ribbons, very light contact, near extremely fine. Accompanied by a copy of his Service Record from the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Footnote: Royston Ernest Hammond was born on December 16, 1928 in Kent, England. He served with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Royal Australian Infantry Corps during the Korean War, from July 24, 1953 to February 11, 1954, a total of 203 days. The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) was rapidly committed as Australia's main land force contribution to the United Nations forces in the Korean War. After a period of intensive training and reinforcement in Japan, the battalion arrived in South Korea in late September 1950. The battalion formed part of the 27th Commonwealth Brigade and took part in the United Nations offensive into North Korea and the subsequent retreat into South Korea following the Chinese offensive in the winter of 1950-1951. In October 1950, the battalion distinguished itself at Chongjuduring the UN northward advance to the Yalu River. Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Green, it attacked and captured a large North Korean defensive line in a combined arms operation with tanks and artillery. Green was later killed in action. It was one of three units to receive the United States Presidential Unit Citation after the Battle of Kapyong, that was fought between April 22 and 25, 1951. In July 1951, Major Archer Denness briefly commanded 3 RAR between the departure of Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Ferguson and the arrival of the new commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Hassett. Over the period October 3 to 8, 1951, 3 RAR fought the Battle of Maryang San, which is widely regarded as one of the Australian Army's greatest accomplishments of the Korean War. 3 RAR remained in Korea until the war ended in 1953, sustaining total casualties of 231 men killed. Upon return to Australia in 1954, 3 RAR was based in at Ingleburn and Holsworthy Barracks, in New South Wales.