An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 27 Unit Citation by SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD PhotoS by CPL NEVILLE COUGHLAN O n 17th September 2016, Minister with Responsibility for De- fence, Paul Kehoe, tD accompanied by the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM marked the collective actions of the men of 'A' Coy, 35 Inf bn and its at- tachments at the 55th anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville, in Custume bks, Athlone. Minister Kehoe presented a Unit Citation which was the first of its kind to 'A' Coy, 35 Inf bn, in recognition of the bravery and heroism of those who served in the Company. "This Citation recognises the leadership, courage, bravery and professional performance of A Company 35th Infantry Battalion and its attachments who, under challenging circumstances at Jadotville, while besieged by overwhelming numbers of Katanganese Gendarmerie and cut-off from support and reinforcements, did valiantly defend their position from the 13th September 1961 to 17th September 1961." At the ceremony a copy of the Unit Citation was presented to each member or their next-of-kin and a memorial service with wreaths laid in their memory. Minister Kehoe spoke to those present: "I am very pleased to present this Unit Citation which recognises the bravery and courage of 'A' Coy during the Siege of Jadotville whilst cut-off from support and reinforcements." Minister Kehoe concluded, "Ireland can be justifiably proud of all our brave men and women who have contributed to the cause of peace and security. Our continued participation in United Nations missions illustrates the very positive and practical difference that small countries, like Ireland, can make in the world's trouble spots." This long overdue recognition to the soldiers of 'A' Coy, 35 Inf Bn who fought at the Siege of Jadotville in 1961 signifies their profes- sional bravery and personal sacrifice and makes them stand out as the pathfinders to the legacy of Irish peacekeeping. Cpl John Gormon with Sgt Harry Dixon (wheelchair) a surviving member of the Siege of Jadotville Minister Kehoe lays a wreath along with retired 'A' Coy Capt Liam Donnelly (wheelchair). recommended Further reading/viewing the Battle of Jadotville: irish soldiers in combat in the congo, 1961 by [Air- man] Michael Whelan was published by South Dublin Libraries in 2006, ISBN: 0954766067 heroes of Jadotville: the soldiers' story by Rose Doyle with Leo Quinlan published 2006 by New Island and republished in 2016, ISBN: 978-1905494885 siege at Jadotville by Declan Power and published by Maverick House in 2005, and republished in 2016 ISBN: 978-0954870713 the siege of Jadotville, is the new Netflix original film, directed by Richie Smyth, written by Kevin Brodbin, and produced by Alan Moloney is a gripping, true story of incredible bravery against impossible odds. The film is based on Declan Power's novel The Siege at Jadotville: The Irish Ar- my's Forgotten Battle. Trailer: https://youtu.be/rHNtzyXvyLc

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