Aussie Digger awarded Victoria Cross first time in 40 years for heroic gallantry
Governor-General Quentin Bryce awards Trooper Donaldson the Victoria Cross
Trooper Donaldson received the award for "exceptional bravery" after saving the life of a Coalition forces interpreter during an attack in Oruzgan in Afghanistan.
On September 2, a convoy of Afghan, American and Australian vehicles were ambushed in Oruzgan in Afghanistan.
While under sustained machine-gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades, Trooper Donaldson selflessly drew the enemy's attention to himself so wounded soldiers could be moved.
Seeing an Afghan interpreter lying motionless on the ground, Trooper Donaldson ran 80 metres across exposed ground then carried the wounded man back to a vehicle and gave him first aid.
Trooper Donaldson then rejoined the patrol and continued to engage the enemy whilst under fire and to provide medical aid to fellow soldiers.
posted by The Monarchist at 12:48 a.m.
2 Comments:
Well done, Trooper Donaldson!
There's some fascinating history surrounding the Victoria Cross. Three men have actually been awarded two VCs, or more precisely a VC and Bar. Two were British Army doctors and one was a New Zealand Army infantryman.
Here's some historical info on the American Medal of Honor. From the American Civil War, when the Medal of Honor was created, sixty four Canadians have been awarded the Medal of Honor for services in the US Armed Forces, the most recent being Mr. Peter C. Lemon, for his gallantry in the US Army during the Vietnam War.
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