Army Number: 61515
Rank: Sergeant
Christian Name: Raymond Leslie
Surname: EWELL
Award: DCM
Sergeant Raymond Ewell enlisted in the Australian Regular Army on 18 April 1963. He joined 3rd Battalion. The Royal Australian Regiment on 14 November 1963 and saw operational service in Malaya and Borneo during 1964 and 1965. He arrived in South Vietnam on 12 December 1967 as Platoon Sergeant 9 Platoon, C Company.

On 24 March 1968 during Operation Pinnaroo, his Platoon Commander was mortally wounded and four other soldiers wounded in an enemy minefield. Sergeant Ewell immediately took command of the platoon and organised and controlled the evacuation of the wounded. Throughout this evacuation he moved over the mined area showing no regard for his personal safety.

During the latter stages of Operation Pinnaroo, he continued to command the platoon and as a result of his thorough and aggressive patrolling his platoon found numerous caches and caves. Although they were known to be booby-trapped Sergeant Ewell made a practice of accompanying the engineer mini team on their initial entry and search of those dangerous areas. As a result, much new material of great intelligence value was found and his daring conduct instilled confidence in his men.

On 22 September 1968 while again acting as Platoon Commander Sergeant Ewell led a 14 man patrol during Operation Crown. At approximately 1120 hours the patrol contacted five Vietcong, killing at least one of them before the enemy broke contact. Sergeant Ewell quickly followed them up and regained contact. In the ensuing firefight one member of the patrol was wounded.

Sergeant Ewell quickly changed direction to outflank the enemy. During this movement his patrol clashed with another enemy force of approximately 20 Viet Cong. The patrol was engaged in a prolonged action for two hours and fought off a determined attack from three sides. Sergeant Ewell directed artillery and mortar fire support and by skilful fire and movement conducted an orderly withdrawal to a more secure position. As a result of his aggressive reaction an estimated six Viet Cong were killed.

Throughout his service in South Vietnam Sergeant Ewell distinguished himself as a courageous soldier, whose personal gallantry was an inspiration to the men under his command.

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