FLASHBACK: The Last Post Ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the first attack on Fire Support Base Coral on May 13, 2018. Photo: Ian Roach/AWM
Australia will have a new Victoria Cross recipient: Private Richard Norden (late).
Governor‑General Sam Mostyn announced that King Charles III has approved the decision to bestow the award to Norden.
He will be recognised posthumously for his bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968.
On May 14, 1968, the Gundagai-raised Norden’s platoon came under heavy fire in Bien Hoa province.
During Operation Toan Thang, 5th Platoon, B Company were ambushed and came under heavy fire from an estimated squad of seven to ten North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers, according to the Governor-General.
Norden, a member of the leading section, ran forward under heavy fire to the side of the section commander and forward scout who were wounded during the initial contact.
He killed one enemy soldier and used that soldier’s weapon against other NVA soldiers.
He then half-carried, half-dragged the severely wounded section commander back to the section then, seriously wounded, returned to the forward scout under enemy fire.
He killed the NVA soldier who had used the dead scout as a shield then returned to his section to collect grenades and moved forward for a third time.
He cleared the area to enable the body of the scout to be recovered.
When he returned to Australia, he became an Australian Capital Territory police officer but died aged 24 in 1972 in a traffic accident while on duty.
The late Private Richard Norden.
The Governor-General’s Office will work with Norden’s family to finalise plans for the investiture ceremony.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Norden is “a true Australian hero”.
“His exceptional bravery epitomises the spirit of our veterans, who we thank for their service,” he says.
“Remembrance Day is a chance to honour those who have served our nation – and Private Norden is one of the finest. Lest We Forget.”
Norden is survived by widow Mrs Robynn Freeman
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles says Norden’s bravery was exemplary.
“The awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia is our highest military honour and I am pleased to see Private Norden recognised with this honour today.”
Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Keogh says Norden “personified the ANZAC spirit – disregarding his own safety to put his mates first”.
“I want to acknowledge and thank the veteran community for your advocacy for the appropriate recognition of Private Norden,” he says.
“I’m so glad that especially today we can acknowledge Private Norden’s gallant actions with the Victoria Cross for Australia.”
The Victoria Cross for Australia is the highest military honour that can be awarded in the Australian honours system.
