Sefanaia Sukanaivalu


Sefanaia Sukanaivalu VC was a Fijian soldier and a posthumous recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to Commonwealth forces. He is the only Fijian to be awarded the VC.

Biography

Sukanaivalu was born on Yacata, Fiji, on 1 January 1918 and joined the Fiji Infantry Regiment during World War II. By mid-1944 he was a Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, which was taking part in the Bougainville campaign. He died under Japanese fire on 23 June 1944, at Mawaraka, during an attempt to rescue comrades, in circumstances which led to his being awarded the Victoria Cross.
The citation reads:
Sukanaivalu is buried at Rabaul War Cemetery, New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

The Medal

His medal is in private hands and is not exhibited.