Australian soldier awarded Victoria Cross for Vietnam bravery

“Private Richard Norden is a true Australian hero… [He] demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness by putting his own life at risk to save and protect his fellow comrades,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said after the announcement, on Remembrance Day.

Pte Norden’s company was ambushed by North Vietnamese Army soldiers on 14 May, 1968, with a scout immediately killed and the section Commander gravely injured.

Described as having a “complete disregard for his own personal safety”, he ran forward under heavy enemy fire to reach the two soldiers and carried the severely wounded section Commander back to his group.

Himself seriously wounded by that point, Pte Norden then went back for the scout. Finding him dead, he then returned to the group to collect grenades before pushing into the battlefield for a third time, to clear the area so the scout’s body could be recovered.

Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn said it was a “historic” day for the country and a “significant” moment for Pte Norden’s family.

“We are honoured that His Majesty has approved the Victoria Cross for Australia for Richard, recognising his gallantry actions whilst serving in Vietnam,” his widow, Robynn Freeman said in a statement.

A formal ceremony to present the medal to Pte Norden’s family will take place at a later date, yet to be announced.

Like in many other allied countries, the war was very divisive in Australia and thousands of Australians protested against it.

By the time the conflict ended in 1975, an estimated three million Vietnamese people had died, with the US losing over 58,000 people and Australia 521.