'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on ST DENIS WOOD, PERONNE, on 2nd September 1918. During an attempt to advance our flank beyond ST DENIS WOOD heavy Machine Gun fire was encountered. This man by his initiative and quick judgment brought his Lewis Gun into action disregarding all personal safety and engaged 2 enemy Machine Guns which he silenced, and thereby enabled the flank to go forward and capture an enemy post of 1 Officer, 9 O/Ranks and 2 Machine Guns. When it became necessary for the party to withdraw slightly to a stronger position this man covered the move until the flanks were in position, he himself being exposed to heavy Machine Gun fire. Not withstanding that one of his Lewis gun team was badly wounded he succeeded in bringing the gun and wounded man back to our line. His courage and coolness throughout the whole operation was very noticeable and he assisted greatly in the success of the attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Regimental number	2698
Place of birth	Crookwell New South Wales
Religion	Roman Catholic
Occupation	Labourer
Address	Binda, New South Wales
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	19
Next of kin	Father, John Joseph McMahon, Binda PO, Binda, New South Wales
Previous military service	43rd Infantry
Enlistment date	31 May 1916
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	55th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	23/72/4
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 7 October 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll	Private
Unit from Nominal Roll	55th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)	Distinguished Conduct Medal Recommendation date: 4 September 1918
Fate	Returned to Australia 18 January 1919
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on ST DENIS WOOD, PERONNE, on 2nd September 1918. During an attempt to advance our flank beyond ST DENIS WOOD heavy Machine Gun fire was encountered. This man by his initiative and quick judgment brought his Lewis Gun into action disregarding all personal safety and engaged 2 enemy Machine Guns which he silenced, and thereby enabled the flank to go forward and capture an enemy post of 1 Officer, 9 O/Ranks and 2 Machine Guns. When it became necessary for the party to withdraw slightly to a stronger position this man covered the move until the flanks were in position, he himself being exposed to heavy Machine Gun fire. Not withstanding that one of his Lewis gun team was badly wounded he succeeded in bringing the gun and wounded man back to our line. His courage and coolness throughout the whole operation was very noticeable and he assisted greatly in the success of the attack.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109 Date: 15 September 1919
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Sylvester Luke McMAHON