Warrant Officer Class Two Brian Malcolm Hughson has served in the Australian Imperial Forces and the Australian Regular Army since 12 February 1945. All of his service has been in regimental appointments including active service in Korea, where he was wounded, Malaya and currently South Vietnam.
Through his experience and loyalty he has assisted and guided young officers and non commissioned officers during their early years of service while at the same time setting a high example for all concerned.
During his tour with the 5th Battalion in Vietnam, he has performed the duties of Company Sergeant Major of firstly Support and then A Companies. His wealth of experience, knowledge of practical soldiering and his unswerving loyalty have contributed materially to the morale, discipline and smooth running of both companies. Also his anticipation, cool courage and sense of humour in moments of operational crisis have eased tensions and steadied the younger soldiers.
In particular during the period 26 January 1967 to 29 January 1967, A Company was involved in a series of five contacts with large Viet Cong patrols. Throughout these actions, Warrant Officer Hughson with disregard for his own safety, calmly organised the soldiers of Company headquarters, rapidily collected and redistributed the ammunition over exposed ground to the platoons' involved and by his personal efficient example played a large and vital part in the successful execution of the operation.