page_title: Battle of Buna–Gona
section_title: Recognition and memorials
hierarchical_section_title: Battle of Buna–Gona / Aftermath / Recognition and memorials
caption_attribution_description: English: Plaque in Buna dedicated to Herman Bottcher and the Red Arrow Division
context_page_description: The Battle of Buna–Gona was part of the New Guinea campaign in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. It followed the conclusion of the Kokoda Track campaign and lasted from 16 November 1942 until 22 January 1943. The battle was fought by Australian and United States forces against the Japanese beachheads at Buna, Sanananda and Gona. From these, the Japanese had launched an overland attack on Port Moresby. In light of developments in the Solomon Islands campaign, Japanese forces approaching Port Moresby were ordered to withdraw to and secure these bases on the northern coast. Australian forces maintained contact as the Japanese conducted a well-ordered rearguard action. The Allied objective was to eject the Japanese forces from these positions and deny them their further use. The Japanese forces were skillful, well prepared and resolute in their defence. They had developed a strong network of well-concealed defences.
  Operations in Papua and New Guinea were severely hampered by terrain, vegetation, climate, disease and the lack of infrastructure; these imposed significant logistical limitations.
context_section_description: For eligible Australian units, the battle honour "Buna–Gona" was bestowed.  Subsidiary honours were also bestowed for: "Gona", "Sanananda Road", "Amboga River", "Cape Endaiadere–Sinemi Creek" and "Sanananda–Cape Killerton".
  First Sergeant Elmer J. Burr and Sergeant Kenneth E. Gruennert were later posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in the Battle of Buna–Gona.  Herman Bottcher was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross twice.
  A brass memorial plaque was placed at the site of the Huggins' roadblock after the war.
  The Japanese also erected a monument commemorating their soldiers' struggle.
  The war dead from Kochi-ken lies here. 1974, July Governor of Kochi, Kochi-ken, Masumi Mizobuchi, representative of bereaved New Guinea society.
  Australian units placed a plaque in memory of their fallen comrades.
  To the memory of the 161 members of the 53, 55, 55/53rd Australian Infantry Battalion (A.I.F.) who gave their lives in Papua New Guinea 1942–1945.
caption: The memorial plaque at the entrance to Buna Village, dedicated to Herman Bottcher and the Red Arrow Division.
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