Richard Norden Awarded Victoria Cross Posthumously

Private Richard Norden has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honour, for his extraordinary acts of bravery during the Vietnam War. On May 14, 1968, during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral, the 19-year-old soldier ran into heavy enemy fire to rescue his wounded section commander and later attempted to recover a fallen scout. Despite his brave efforts, the scout did not survive, but Norden's actions contributed to saving many Australian lives. The award was announced during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Canberra by Governor-General Samantha Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Norden, who later served as a police officer, died in a traffic accident in 1972 at the age of 24. His family expressed pride in the recognition of his gallant actions, which have preserved his legacy among Australian veterans.