Former ACT policeman awarded posthumous VC for Vietnam gallantry

A former ACT policeman has been posthumously awarded the nation’s highest military honour for rescuing a wounded soldier and recovering the body of another in the face of enemy fire in Vietnam in 1968.

Governor‑General Sam Mostyn has announced that the King has given approval for the award of the Victoria Cross for Australia to be bestowed to Private Richard Norden, who died in a traffic accident in 1972 while on police duty in Canberra.

A statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Private Norden had been recognised for the most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in the presence of the enemy.

On 14 May 1968, 19-year-old Private Norden’s platoon came under heavy fire during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral, 7 km north of the town of Tan Uyen in Bình Duong Province.

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.

On his return to Australia, Private Norden became an Australian Capital Territory police officer. He was only 24 when he died as a result of injuries sustained in an ACT Police motorcycle accident.

The Governor-General’s Office will work with Private Norden’s family to finalise plans for the investiture ceremony.

Ms Mostyn said the citation told of his extraordinary courage, advancing under heavy fire to save the lives of his friends.

“Today, in honouring Richard Norden and all he fought for, Australia also honours all those who fought for him,” she said.

“His fellow veterans, those who served alongside him and those who took up his cause when they learned his story.

“Everyone who kept alive the memory of his valour. Everyone who has championed and advocated due recognition of Richard Norden.

“And everyone who has kept faith with Australia’s promise to remember all those who have served and their loved ones.”

Mr 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,” he 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.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Private Norden’s bravery 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,” he said.

Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said Private Norden personified the Anzac spirit by 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,” he said.

“I’m so glad that, especially today, we can acknowledge Private Norden’s gallant actions with the Victoria Cross for Australia.”

Private Norden had earlier been awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his service in Vietnam.

Remembrance Day commemorates the 60,000 Australians who fell in The Great War in Europe and marks the hour and the day when the guns fell silent on 11 November 1918.