?For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his men in an attack against a strong enemy position with such determination that the position was quickly taken and many prisoners and machine guns were captured. He showed splendid courage and coolness, which were an excellent example to his men throughout the operations.?
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 25 June 1918

'For devotion to duty. This NCO has a splendid record of service and has at all times exhibited exceptional courage and ability in all tasks that have been given him. His work during the period 20th to 23rd of October last, east of St Julien, whilst in charge of an advanced post is worthy of special mention. He neither spared himself nor considered for a moment his own safety. The reports of the situation that he supplied to his Company Commander were of exceptional value and the worth of his services during that period alone, cannot be over estimated. He worked tirelessly day and night, and by his devotion to duty and coolness inspired the men under his charge.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 17 June 1918

Regimental number	12/4137
Date of birth	6 May 1892
Place of birth	Opotiki
Occupation	Farm hand
Next of kin	Father, John Black, Opotiki
Enlistment date	14 December 1915
Rank on embarkation	Private
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 11th Reinforcements, Auckland Infantry Battalion, A Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 1 April 1916
	The Infantry component of the 11th Reinforcements left New Zealand on board two ships (HMNZT 49 'Maunganui' and HMNZT 50 'Tahiti'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked. The Nominal Roll gives the date of departure as 1 April 1916; harbour records indicate that the actual date of embarkation was 2 April 1916.
Medals	Distinguished Conduct Medal ?For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his men in an attack against a strong enemy position with such determination that the position was quickly taken and many prisoners and machine guns were captured. He showed splendid courage and coolness, which were an excellent example to his men throughout the operations.? Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 25 June 1918 Meritorious Service Medal 'For devotion to duty. This NCO has a splendid record of service and has at all times exhibited exceptional courage and ability in all tasks that have been given him. His work during the period 20th to 23rd of October last, east of St Julien, whilst in charge of an advanced post is worthy of special mention. He neither spared himself nor considered for a moment his own safety. The reports of the situation that he supplied to his Company Commander were of exceptional value and the worth of his services during that period alone, cannot be over estimated. He worked tirelessly day and night, and by his devotion to duty and coolness inspired the men under his charge.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 17 June 1918
Discharge date	2 March 1919
Other details	War service: Western Front Discharged, 2 March 1919 (no longer physically fit for War Service on account of wounds received in action). Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal Also served in World War II: enlisted, 6 July 1942, as 2nd Lieutenant, Home Guard; transferred to Reserve, 1 January 1944.
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 28, p. 5