Victoria Cross awarded posthumously to late Vietnam War veteran Richard Norden
A late Australian veteran who rescued wounded comrades under enemy fire in the Vietnam War has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honour.
Private Richard Norden received the award for his extraordinary "acts of gallantry" when he ran into enemy fire on May 14, 1968, during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyn made the announcement during today's Remembrance Day ceremony in Canberra.
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The late Private Richard Norden. Nine
During Operation Toan Thang, Norden's platoon was ambushed and came under heavy fire from a squad of North Vietnamese Army regular soldiers.
Their section commander and a scout were wounded, and Norden ran forward under heavy fire to reach them.
Norden killed a Vietnamese soldier and seized a machine gun which he turned against the enemy squad.
He then half-carried and half-dragged the severely wounded section commander back to safety.
Norden was seriously wounded but moved forward again in an attempt to rescue the scout, who he found dead.
After collecting some grenades, the private returned to the enemy a third time, clearing the way for the recovery of the scout's body.
Norden's actions meant the enemy's position could be secured and likely saved the lives of others in his platoon.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lays a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance during the Remembrance Day National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra today. Alex Ellinghausen
Norden returned to Australia and after the war, joined the Australian Capital Territory Police.
He died in a traffic accident while on active service with the police force in 1972.
Mostyn said Norden's widow Robyn Freeman had been informed of the decision to grant him the Victoria Cross.
"We are honoured that His Majesty has approved the Victoria Cross for Australia for Richard, recognising his gallant actions whilst serving in Vietnam," Freeman said in a statement.
Norden's Victoria Cross will be formally presented at an investiture ceremony at a later date.
"This is a historic day for Australia and the Australian Defence Force and a significant day for Private Norden's loved ones," Mostyn said.
"When I spoke with Mrs Freeman, I conveyed the appreciation of all Australians for Private Norden's service, our admiration for his courage and our hope that this recognition – our nation's highest – brings a further sense of pride and affirmation that he will never be forgotten."
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