The great-great-grandson of Lt Col William Malone, Lance Corporal Rory Malone, has been posthumously awarded the New Zealand Gallantry Medal, one of eight Defence Force members recognised in this year's special honours list.
Lance Corporal Malone was part of a New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team which was tasked with assisting a unit of the Afghan National Directorate of Security near the village of Baghak on August 4, 2012.
When the team's vehicles came under fire from insurgents, the Company Commander was shot. Lance Corporal Malone,along with another officer, dragged the Company Commander to the rear of a vehicle where he could receive treatment for his wound. While the officer tended to the Company Commander's injury, Lance Corporal Malone remained outside in an exposed position providing cover and returning ire.
As they prepared to move the vehicle to reach medical help, Lance Corporal Malone had to move to the passenger door. As he opened the door he was struck in the chest by an insurgent bullet and killed.
Clerk of the Executive Council, Michael Webster said throughout the battle Malone showed both gallantry and comradeship in providing assistance and covering fire to the wounded while in positions exposed to insurgent fire.
The Battle of Baghak was the subject of a major court of inquiry in 2013.
