In the South West Pacific at Wewak on 15th May, 1945, during the attack on the Wirui Mission features, Private Kenna's company had the task of capturing certain enemy positions.

Private Kenna's platoon was ordered forward to deal with the enemy machine gun post, so that the company operation could proceed.

When the attacking sections came into view of the enemy they were immediately engaged at very close range by heavy automatic fire from a position not previously disclosed.

On his own initiative and without orders Private Kenna immediately stood up in full view of the enemy less than fifty yards away and engaged the bunker, firing his Bren gun from the hip.

The enemy machine gun immediately returned Private Kenna's fire and with such accuracy that bullets actually passed between his arms and his body.

There is no doubt that the success of the company attack would have been seriously endangered and many casualties sustained but for Private Kenna's magnificent courage and complete disregard for his own safety.

You had to do something and I don't think the Nips would have brought tea or dinner for me so I had to get up and do something and I honestly think that any soldier would have done the same thing.After his discharge from hospital, Kenna returned to Hamilton, Victoria.

In the 1980s Kenna had his portrait painted by Sir William Dargie and in July 2000 he was featured on a postage stamp as part of an issue commemorating Australia's living Victoria Cross winners.

[3] His family later decided to sell his medals, including the VC, at an auction held at Dallas Brooks Hall in July 2011.