| Submit your comments on this article |
| Down Under |
| Picture Galleries: Awarding of Victoria Cross to Trooper Donaldson |
| 2009-01-16 |
| The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, congratulated Trooper Mark Donaldson as he became the first Australian in almost forty years to be awarded the Victoria Cross, AustraliaÂ’s highest military honour. The Victoria Cross is only presented to those who have displayed the most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action. There are only ten surviving recipients in the world today. Trooper DonaldsonÂ’s actions under fire in Afghanistan resulted in ensuring the safety of other members of the combine Australian, Afghan and US forces, and ultimately saved the life of a coalition interpreter. He displayed exceptional courage in face of extreme danger. Tradition holds that even the most senior military officers salute a Victoria Cross recipient, as a sign of respect for their act of gallantry. Air Chief Marshal Houston said it would be his honour to salute Trooper Donaldson. |
| Posted by:Atomic Conspiracy |
| #2 i hate too say it but i think it's about time too say the hell with britainistan and make Australia our number 1 ally |
| Posted by: rabid whitetail 2009-01-16 11:02 |
| #1 Trooper Donaldson was serving with the SAS in Oruzgan province in Afghanistan on September 2 last year when his unit was hit by an ambush, wounding nine Australians. “During a prolonged and effective enemy ambush on numerous occasions he deliberately drew the enemy’s fire in order to allow wounded soldiers to be moved to safety. As the battle raged around him he saw that a coalition force interpreter was lying motionless on exposed ground. With complete disregard for his own safety, on his initiative and alone, Trooper Donaldson ran back 80 metres across exposed ground to rescue the interpreter and carry him back to vehicle. Trooper Donaldson then rejoined his patrol and continued to engage the enemy while remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire.” He was awarded the Victoria Cross for “most conspicuous acts of gallantry in a circumstance of great peril”, according to the citation. The citation said he "displayed exceptional courage in circumstances of great peril" and saved the life of the interpreter. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2009-01-16 10:37 |