John Bernard Mackey

John Bernard "Jack" Mackey VC (16 May 1922 - 12 May 1945) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Born in Leichhardt, New South Wales, the only son and the eldest of four children of Stanislaus Mackey, a baker, and his wife Bridget Catherine, née Smyth. After attending St Columba's School, Leichhardt, and the Christian Brothers' High School, Lewisham, Jack Mackey's family moved to Portland, New South Wales in 1936. Aged 14, he finished his formal education at St. Joseph's Convent School that year.

Mackey was 22 years old and a corporal in the 2/3rd Pioneer Battalion, Australian Military Forces during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the V.C.

On 12 May 1945 at Tarakan Island, North Borneo, Corporal Mackey led his men along a very narrow spur where it was almost impossible to move to a flank. The section came under fire from three well-sited enemy positions, but Corporal Mackey went ahead, charging his first position, wrestling with and killing one of the enemy and he then rushed a heavy machine-gun post, killing the crew. He again attacked a third position further along the spur and was killed, but not before he had accounted for two more of the enemy.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial.

External links

* [http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A150291b.htm ADB]
* [http://www.awm.gov.au/honours/honours/person.asp?p=NX20317 AWM]