VC posthumously awarded 56 years after action
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The late Private Richard Norden will be awarded a Victoria Cross for Australia for his gallantry during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968.
Governor‑General Sam Mostyn has announced that His Majesty The King has given approval for the award of the Victoria Cross for Australia to be bestowed to Private Norden.
Private Norden has been recognised for the most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in the presence of the enemy.
On 14 May 1968, Private Norden’s platoon came under heavy fire during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral.
Using his initiative and demonstrating a depth of care for his mates, Private Norden rescued a wounded soldier and recovered the body of another, with little cover and under intense enemy fire.
His actions also secured the enemy position and avoided the potential for further casualties of platoon members.
Private Norden’s service to his country continued when he returned to Australia as an Australian Capital Territory police officer.
He died at the young age of 24 following a traffic accident while he was on duty.
The Governor-General’s Office will work with Private Norden’s family to finalise plans for the investiture ceremony.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Private Richard Norden was a true Australian hero.
“His exceptional bravery epitomises the spirit of our veterans, who we thank for their service,” Mr Albanese said.
“Private Norden demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness by putting his own life at risk to save and protect his fellow comrades.
“Remembrance Day is a chance to honour those who have served our nation – and Private Norden is one of the finest.
“Lest We Forget.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Private Richard Norden’s bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral exemplified the values we hold as Australians – those of tremendous courage and mateship.
“Under fire from the enemy, Private Norden did not hesitate as he moved forward to help his fellow wounded soldiers,” Mr Marles said.
“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 said Private 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.
“I’m so glad that especially today we can acknowledge Private Norden’s gallant actions with the Victoria Cross for Australia.”
The awarding of this VC was strongly opposed by then Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr, who was eventually overruled by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal after dogged campaigning by Lieutenant Colonel George Hulse (Retd).
The decision to award the VC to Private Norden was made more than two years ago, but only announced on Remembrance Day 2024.
Read the full Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal decision here
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After reading the full Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal decision it is obvious that the recommendation to upgrade from the DCM to the VC was correctly made after a thorough and almost forensic review of the original award, and there can be no doubt the decision was the correct one. What the citation doesn’t say is that Richard Norden was seriously wounded a few months later and returned home because of his injury. Duty Done.
Whole heartily agree with the above comment.
This bureaucratic stuff up of 56 years ago, reflects on the methodology used to award medals at the time. The Task Force command awarded from the top down, not from the bottom up, where the hard work was done. In 56 years little or nothing has changed within the Defence Department or the Public Service. This has been shown by reviews and a Royal Commission. It can further be shown by the “eagerness” to grasp the recommendations to amend the system. Not a comment has been made, or a movement to “grasp” change. What was the comment of the Productivity Commission, “Not Fit for Purpose” if we reflect on this maybe the light will penetrate the darkness….