The official launch of Wellington author Mark Derby’s book Frontline Surgeon New Zealand Medical Pioneer Douglas Jolly was held on Wednesday in Cromwell, Lieutenant Colonel Jolly’s hometown.
The medals were worn by two Central Otago residents who are both former NZSAS members — Graye Shattky, and former chief of army with the New Zealand Defence Force Peter Kelly, now Central Otago District Council chief executive — to honour Lt Col Jolly.
Mr Shattky, a former major, opened the event, recalling his experience during the Tet Offensive, in Vietnam, in 1969.
Under rocket fire for hours, the wounded men around him were treated by medic Ron Pritchard, who was later awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal.
All the men he treated were eventually flown out by helicopter and survived.
Later Mr Shattky learned Mr Pritchard had read Lt Col Jolly’s book Field Surgery in Total War written some 25 years before, following the Spanish Civil War.
"I regret I did not know about Douglas Jolly until a memorial service in Cromwell.
"I would have thanked him for the legacy and knowledge and skills Ron called on that day."
They came out for citizenship ceremonies and Anzac Day. Now he wore them to honour Lt Col Jolly, he said.
Reading about his life had been almost emotional, Mr Cadogan said.
"A hero is a hero because he has a choice. And Douglas Jolly had a choice."
Mr Derby said Lt Col Jolly had come from a confident and close-knit family. His father died in World War 1, leaving his wife and seven children in Cromwell.
Mrs Jolly, a teacher, ensured all seven children were educated. It seemed likely his father’s sacrifice inspired Lt Col Jolly’s war work, Mr Derby said.
"I feel like tonight we are bringing Doug back home."
The event, organised by the Central Otago Heritage Trust, also included stories and memories from Lt Col Jolly’s step-granddaughter Bidda Jones, who had travelled from Canberra for the event.
