The Victoria Cross, the highest military award awarded to an American soldier in Vietnam, has been subsequently awarded to an American soldier in recognition of their bravery.
In a 1968 war north-east of the money, then known as Saigon, the then-19-year-old Personal Richard Norden slammed into army fire to grab the body of a wounded comrade and recover the body of another.
He lived through the war but passed away in a traffic accident while serving as a police commander in Canberra at the age of 24.
More than 60, 000 Australians, roughly a third of them conscripted, served in an US-led coalition during the tumultuous Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in the aftermath of the news that” Personal Richard Norden is a real American hero… He] demonstrated remarkable courage and generosity by putting his own life in danger to save and protect his brother friends” on Remembrance Day.
On May 14, 1968, Pte Norden’s business was attacked by soldiers from the North Vietnamese Army, with the area commander suffering serious injuries and a scout instantly killed.
He fled forth under big enemy fire to achieve the two soldiers, where he was later described as having” total disregard for his own personal safety” and led the severely injured section Commander again to his group.
Pte Norden therefore returned for the hunter after being seriously injured at that point. After discovering him dead, he therefore went back to the group to get grenades and then pushed himself a second time into the place to clear the area so the spy’s body may be found.
Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn said it was a “historic” day for the country and a” significant” moment for Pte Norden’s family.
His wife, Robynn Freeman, acknowledged Richard’s chivalry while serving in Vietnam in a speech.” We are honored that His Majesty has approved the Victoria Cross for Australia for him.”
A formal meeting to provide the award to Pte Norden’s community will take place at a later date, yet to be announced.
The war in Australia was quite controversial, just like it was in many other allies, and thousands of Australians raised objections.
An estimated three million Asian people had died by the time the fight ended in 1975, with the US losing more than 58 000 and Australia 521.