 In total , the Māori Battalion received more individual bravery decorations than any other New Zealand battalion . One member of the battalion , Second Lieutenant Moana @-@ Nui @-@ a @-@ Kiwa Ngarimu , was awarded the Victoria Cross during the war , while another member , Sergeant Haane Manahi , was also recommended for the award . During the fighting around Takrouna in 1943 , Manahi led a section of men up a sheer limestone escarpment to capture a number of Italian positions ; the following day he set out to capture Italian outposts . Four generals , including Harold Alexander , Bernard Freyberg , Howard Kippenberger and Bernard Law Montgomery had recommended that Manahi receive the Victoria Cross but this recommendation was downgraded in London to the Distinguished Conduct Medal . 
