3 July 2009

Horace Madden's George Cross goes on display at the War Memorial

| johnboy
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The War Memorial has announced that the highest decoration awarded to an Australian in the Korean War has now gone on display in the “Conflicts 1945 to today” galleries.

    Awarded posthumously to Private Horace ‘Slim’ Madden in 1955, the George Cross is a symbol of his strength and cheerful spirit during his time as a POW in Korea.

    Slim Madden, of 3RAR, was captured by Chinese forces at Kapyong in April, 1951. Despite ongoing maltreatment and abuse, ‘Slim’ Madden remained cheerful and optimistic. His health soon deteriorated as he shared what little food he was afforded with the men around him. Madden died of malnutrition in late 1951. His willingness to help others made him a true hero, his courage in the face of continuing hardships fuelled by an indomitable spirit.

The medal is on loan from an anonymous donor.

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