Aussie hero awarded VC (highest Australian military honour)
A serving (Australian) soldier in Afghanistan, Trooper Mark Donaldson, has been awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross for Australia for exceptional gallantry after he rescued a wounded interpreter.
Trooper Donaldson received the award from the Governor-General Quentin Bryce in Canberra today at a presentation ceremony at Government House.
It is the first time in more than 40 years that an Australian soldier has received the VC.
The award recognised his bravery in Afghanistan last year, where a battle raged around him during an ambush in Oruzgan province.
Trooper Donaldson saw the coalition force interpreter lying motionless on the ground, and with complete disregard for his own safety and on his own initiative, he ran back to rescue the interpreter and carry him back to a vehicle.
Trooper Donaldson was said to have displayed exceptional courage in circumstances of great peril.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Trooper Donaldson’s actions “leapt from the page” and was “the stuff of legends”.
Mr Rudd said Trooper Donaldson had deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire, and his selfless act allowed the wounded to be removed to safety in the battle.
When he picked up the interpreter, Mr Rudd said that Trooper Donaldson returned him to safety and administered care before returning to the fight and continuing to engage the enemy.
“In our working day lives, that is the stuff of legends,” Mr Rudd said.
He said it was also in keeping with the spirit of the ANZACs.
The award is the highest military honour and only the 96th one to be given.