In a solemn ceremony on Remembrance Day, the late Private Richard Norden, a young Australian soldier who served in the Vietnam War, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross—the nation’s highest military decoration for valour in the face of the enemy. The 19-year-old’s exceptional bravery and selfless actions during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in 1968 have finally been recognized, over 56 years after his ultimate sacrifice.
A Humble Hero’s Courage Under Fire
Private Norden’s citation details the extraordinary events of that fateful day in May 1968, during Operation Toan Thang. When his platoon came under heavy fire from North Vietnamese forces, Norden, without hesitation, ran forward through a hail of bullets to reach his wounded section commander and the platoon’s forward scout.
In the chaos of battle, Norden managed to eliminate one enemy soldier before running out of ammunition. Undeterred, he seized an enemy weapon and continued to fight, providing cover for his injured comrades. With complete disregard for his own safety, Norden half-carried, half-dragged his severely wounded section commander back to the relative safety of their position.
Unwavering Determination in the Face of Danger
Despite being seriously wounded himself, Private Norden’s valour did not falter. He pressed forward once more, engaging another enemy soldier who had been using the platoon’s forward scout as a human shield. Though he was tragically unable to save the scout’s life, Norden’s actions allowed for the recovery of his fallen comrade’s body.
Private Norden showed a complete disregard for his own personal safety, and his courage and selfless acts resulted in the enemy position being secured and likely saved the lives of other members of the platoon.
– Governor General Sam Mostyn
A Nation Honors a True Australian Hero
In announcing the posthumous Victoria Cross, Governor General Sam Mostyn praised Private Norden’s unwavering courage and selflessness. She shared the news of the award with Norden’s widow, expressing the nation’s gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed these sentiments, hailing Norden as “a true Australian hero” and emphasizing the profound impact of his actions on that harrowing day in Vietnam.
The terrible toll would have been higher but for the courage of a 19-year-old private from Gundagai by the name of Richard Norden.
– Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Remembering the Fallen, Honoring Their Legacy
Private Richard Norden’s posthumous Victoria Cross serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by Australian service members in conflicts around the world. His story, one of countless acts of bravery and selflessness in the face of unimaginable adversity, will forever be etched in the nation’s collective memory.
As we commemorate Remembrance Day, let us pause to reflect on the courage and dedication of heroes like Private Norden—those who gave their all in service to their country and their comrades. In honoring their memory, we reaffirm our commitment to the values they so valiantly defended: courage, mateship, and an unwavering sense of duty.
Private Richard Norden’s legacy serves as an enduring testament to the indomitable spirit of the Australian soldier and the profound bonds of brotherhood forged in the crucible of war. His sacrifice, and the sacrifices of all those who have fallen in the line of duty, will never be forgotten.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed these sentiments, hailing Norden as “a true Australian hero” and emphasizing the profound impact of his actions on that harrowing day in Vietnam.
The terrible toll would have been higher but for the courage of a 19-year-old private from Gundagai by the name of Richard Norden.
– Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Remembering the Fallen, Honoring Their Legacy
Private Richard Norden’s posthumous Victoria Cross serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by Australian service members in conflicts around the world. His story, one of countless acts of bravery and selflessness in the face of unimaginable adversity, will forever be etched in the nation’s collective memory.
As we commemorate Remembrance Day, let us pause to reflect on the courage and dedication of heroes like Private Norden—those who gave their all in service to their country and their comrades. In honoring their memory, we reaffirm our commitment to the values they so valiantly defended: courage, mateship, and an unwavering sense of duty.
Private Richard Norden’s legacy serves as an enduring testament to the indomitable spirit of the Australian soldier and the profound bonds of brotherhood forged in the crucible of war. His sacrifice, and the sacrifices of all those who have fallen in the line of duty, will never be forgotten.
