Posthumous Victoria Cross presented to family of Vietnam War hero Richard Norden
At a special investiture ceremony held in Rockhampton on Tuesday, Private Norden's widow, Robynn Freeman, received the award on behalf of her late husband, nearly 60 years after his heroic actions.
The recognition comes for his bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral on May 14, 1968.
Private Norden's eldest son, Shane Norden Freeman, said his dad's army mates hate fought for him to be given the rare honour.
'It's been a long journey and there's been a lot of fighting going on in the background to get this for Dad,' Mr Freeman told the ABC.
'It didn't seem like this day would come.
'It's been 10 years of his army mates and police mates fighting for this – they've never given up.'
Private Norden's platoon came under intense enemy fire during the battle.
In the chaos, he showed 'remarkable courage and selflessness', rescuing a wounded soldier and recovering the body of another, despite facing heavy fire and having little cover.
His actions helped secure the enemy position and likely saved the lives of many other soldiers.
He was only 19 at the time.
'Private Richard Norden's bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral exemplifies the values we hold as Australians – those of tremendous courage and mateship,' Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
'Under fire from the enemy, Private Norden did not hesitate as he moved forward to help his fellow wounded soldiers.'
Private Norden died in 1972 while serving with the ACT Police.
'Private Richard Norden's bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral exemplifies the values we hold as Australians – those of tremendous courage and mateship,' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
'Under fire from the enemy, Private Norden did not hesitate as he moved forward to help his fellow wounded soldiers.
'I am honoured to have attended today's investiture ceremony to see Private Norden recognised with Australia's highest military honour.'
Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh said he was pleased his family was finally receiving the honour.
'I'm so pleased that today, almost six decades after his heroic act, his family are finally receiving this important acknowledgment of his selfless service,' he said.
'Private Norden personified the Anzac spirit – disregarding his own safety to put his mates first.'
Private Norden is the 102nd Victoria Cross recipient in Australia's history, and just the fifth Vietnam War veteran to receive the honour.
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