Major General Paul Cullen may be 96 years old, but he still displays the tenacity, frankness and dignity he showed as an eminent military commander in the Second World War. He was a gallant wartime leader who got the job done, but he never spared himself to look after his men.

He continued his dedication to the military after the war, when he served as a citizen soldier. He rose to the rank of major general, and in effect also became the most senior Citizen Military Force officer in Australia at the time. He continues his work today as a great proponent of the wonderful citizen soldiers a legacy that will live on. This book shows the iconic spirit of the Digger—the teamwork, valuing trust and using initiative; showing courage, compassion and endurance; and the mateship, a sense of selfless sacrifice, of loyalty to the end.

It covers Major General Cullen's military baptism of fire in Egypt and Libya, and in Greece and the Battle of Pinios Gorge. It shows his and his troops' struggle of survival on the Kokoda Track and the fighting in New Guinea.

Major General Cullen's obstinate nature is shown when he had the choice of going to Turkey, a neutral country in the war, or Crete, where a battle was not yet joined. Unsurprising to those who know him, he chose the battle.

And his leadership skills are demonstrated by his actions on the Kokoda Track and his courageous conduct at Sanananda. He emerged from the war mightily acknowledged as one of our best performed and most highly decorated infantry commanders.

Major General Cullen is a fierce and proud man, but he also displays compassion and selflessness. He is a dignified and highly respected opinion leader in the community. He has made outstanding contributions to the refugee cause and was recognized by the United Nations for this work in 1981. He continues his work for the underprivileged and in community services, both of which have won him

Paul Cullen Citizen and Soldier covers many decades of achievement,

concern for the community and a never-say-die attitude by one man. It is an engaging story, one that reflects the experiences that shaped Australia during the last century