THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

THE HON BARNABY JOYCE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

 

PHILLIP THOMPSON OAM MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

JOINT STATEMENT

PRIVATE RICHARD NORDEN AWARDED VICTORIA CROSS FOR AUSTRALIA

Monday 11 November 2024

The Coalition welcomes the posthumous awarding of a Victoria Cross for Australia to the late Private Richard Norden for his gallantry during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968.

The Coalition has always supported and advocated for this award following the recommendation by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal in July 2022.

On 14 May 1968, then 19-year-old Private Norden’s unit came under heavy fire by North Vietnamese Army soldiers.

With little cover, Private Norden ran into intense enemy fire to reach a severely wounded section commander, dragging him back to the platoon.

Seriously wounded himself, Private Norden again faced enemy fire to reach the forward scout, who was being used as a shield by a North Vietnamese Army soldier.

Determining the scout was dead, Private Norden returned to the unit to collect grenades and moved forward for a third time, clearing the area to enable the scout’s body to be recovered.

His heroic actions saved the lives of other members of the platoon.

Private Norden’s service continued upon his return to Australia, working as a police officer before his untimely death at just 24 while on duty.

It is only appropriate that Private Norden’s valour, courage and selflessness is recognised with the Victoria Cross for Australia.

[ENDS]