Digger's US honour for 'extraordinary heroism'
It was one of the bloodiest, most dec-isive days of World War I and one of John Rush Padgett's finest hours.
On September 29, 1918, the Allies finally broke the backbone of the Hindenburg Line, the last and strongest of Germany's defences.
The attack was spearheaded by battle-hardened Australians from the 3rd and 5th divisions and less experienced US troops from the 27th and 30th divisions.
Under Australian general Sir John Monash, they laid siege to German defences near the St Quentin Canal, at times fighting side-by-side in the chaos.
Hundreds of Australians died that day but men the calibre of Padgett made sure it went to the Allies.
Padgett, a 36-year-old corporal in the 44th Battalion, was awarded the US Distinguished Service Cross for "extraordinary heroism" while fighting with the US 27th Division.
The Bellevue father of four was one of nine Australians awarded the cross in WWI and the only West Australian.
As the records tell us, Padgett led a successful attack on an enemy trench under heavy fire, showing strategic prowess, leadership and outright heroism.
When a grenade fell among his men, he threw it back to the enemy.
Later, he exposed himself to sustained machinegun fire to rescue a US soldier, carrying him to safety across open ground.
He later received a letter from Sir Winston Churchill on behalf of King George V, thanking him his for his "gallant and distinguished services".
By the time the 44th Battalion was relieved on October 3, only about 80 men were left standing.
A stonemason, Padgett ended the war as a lance-sergeant after fighting in key battles on the Western Front at Messines, Hamel and the Hindenburg Line.
He returned to Perth in July 1919, ill from gassing and with a shrapnel scar on his right arm.
As part of the Federal Government's repatriation program, he was given a block in Pickering Brook where he worked and lived with his family for 18 years.
In his final years at the Edward Millen Sanatorium in Queen's Park, he was visited by US consul Charles Derry, who wanted to meet the Australian soldier the US held in such high esteem.
Padgett died aged 57 and his US Distinguished Service Cross is on display at the Army Museum of WA, donated by his family this year.
His great-granddaughter Kelli Rerden said the family was still extremely proud of his sacrifices.
"I think of it constantly and not only about him," she said.
"He did something extraordinary on that particular day, but they were all extraordinary."
