Post by KrispyKoala on Jan 16, 2009 0:49:28 GMT
Australian soldier Mark Donaldson awarded Victoria CrossFont Size: Decrease Increase Print Page: Print January 16, 2009
Article from: The Australian
AN Australian soldier has been awarded the first Victoria Cross in 40 years for his "exceptional bravery" in service in Afghanistan.
Trooper Mark Donaldson has been awarded the nation's highest military honour in a ceremony in Canberra this morning by Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
Trooper Donaldson was serving with the SAS in Oruzgan province in Afghanistan in October last year when his unit was hit by an ambush.
He deliberately drew enemy fire to allow wounded soldiers to escape and be taken to safety.
Then, "with complete disregard for his own safety ' Trooper Donaldson ran back 80m across exposed ground to rescue a wounded coalition force interpreter and take him back to a vehicle.
His citation said he "displayed exceptional courage in circumstances of great peril" and saved the life of the interpreter.
www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24920258-601,00.html
Article from: The Australian
AN Australian soldier has been awarded the first Victoria Cross in 40 years for his "exceptional bravery" in service in Afghanistan.
Trooper Mark Donaldson has been awarded the nation's highest military honour in a ceremony in Canberra this morning by Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
Trooper Donaldson was serving with the SAS in Oruzgan province in Afghanistan in October last year when his unit was hit by an ambush.
He deliberately drew enemy fire to allow wounded soldiers to escape and be taken to safety.
Then, "with complete disregard for his own safety ' Trooper Donaldson ran back 80m across exposed ground to rescue a wounded coalition force interpreter and take him back to a vehicle.
His citation said he "displayed exceptional courage in circumstances of great peril" and saved the life of the interpreter.
www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24920258-601,00.html
