Arthur Pembroke

Arthur "Bushy" Pembroke MC (23 July 1928 - ) is an Australian Korean War veteran who was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during an attack against Hill 317 during the Battle of Maryang San in October 1951. The Military Cross (MC) is the third highest military bravery decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Army and formerly other Commonwealth Nations including Australia.

Early Life and Officer Training
Pembroke was born in Brisbane in 1928. After finishing his secondary schooling he attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Australian Army. Graduating in December 1950, Pembroke received the Sword of Honour which is awarded for excellence of conduct and performance of duty.

Korean War Service
Pembroke arrived in Korea in July 1951 and was attached to the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He took over as commander of 9 Platoon, 'C' Company which was under the command of Jack Gerke DSO, AM.

Military Cross Action
The official historian of the Korean War, Robert O'Neill, wrote of the Battle of Maryang San "In this action 3RAR had won one of the most impressive victories achieved by any Australian battalion. In five days of heavy fighting 3RAR dislodged a numerically superior enemy from a position of great strength...The victory of Maryang San is probably the greatest single feat of the Australian Army during the Korean War."

Post-War Service and Civilian Life
Pembroke was Director of Operation State Emergency Services and Civil Defence from 1978 - 1984. He served in the Returned and Services League Defence Committee for 25 years and was President of the New South Wales Defence Force Welfare Association from 1992 - 1995. He has two sons, one daughter and twelve grandchildren and lives in Sydney.

Honours & Awards
Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Pembroke has been awarded the following honours: